Psychologists think that young people start smoking because they think it’s cool. They do it so purely because they find it enjoyable. They also think they have the right to do so. Another reason is that older people who are supposed to set an example to them smoke too. Once they start, they keep wanting it and so they can’t stop it. Some youngsters do that because they want to fit within a particular group, to be accepted or to feel more adult. That’s to say, many of them want to exercise some sense of independence or rebellion.
Most of these young people claim that smoking helps them cope with stress. But in fact, nicotine is a stimulant and won’t help to attain relaxation. A withdrawal from it, however, makes them feel miserable and lose concentration.