NCJ Number
166407
Date Published
1992
Length
94 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of a nationwide survey of juveniles, ages 12 to 17, on their attitudes and behavior concerning tobacco; the survey was conducted in June-July 1992.
Abstract
The survey was conducted by telephone among a nationwide sample of 1,125 juveniles. The sample included a disproportionate oversample of 250 teen-age smokers. Smokers for the purposes of this study were defined as those who in the 30-day period preceding the interview had smoked at least one cigarette. Findings show that 14 percent of the teens interviewed in the survey smoked at least one cigarette during the 30-day period preceding the interview. Eleven percent smoked during the preceding week. Approximately one nonsmoker in three has tried a cigarette at some time; an additional 2 percent say they may try one for the first time in the near future. When all forms of tobacco are taken together, 13 percent of the teens used at least one form during the preceding week. The main reasons teens give for smoking are for "relieving stress" and "enjoying smoking when I go out to have a good time." Teen smokers (65 percent) are more likely than nonsmokers (45 percent) to live in a household where someone smokes. Nonsmokers often say they do not smoke because their parents would disapprove. The survey also solicited information on awareness of the dangers of tobacco, the onset of tobacco addiction, selling tobacco to teens, marketing tobacco to teens, and prevention and intervention. Extensive tabular data and appended survey instrument