Letter to editor - Smoking behavior and initiation of smoking among adolescent - A threat to public health

Initiation of smoking and behavior among school and college students is a major concern to the society. A recent article on smoking behavior among college students in India has indicated that information on tobacco related health hazards, anti-smoking campaigns and a change in attitude towards smoking are the major ingredients for effective control of smoking.¹ Tobacco marketing, advertisements in association with celebrities, like film stars and sports personalities, have increased the chances of smoking among the adolescents. Similarly, exposure of this group to movies in which smoking is associated with toughness, sexiness and rebelliousness² influence the behavior of these adolescents.