Should Smoking in High Schools be Allowed?

Should Smoking in High Schools be Allowed?

By: Mckayla Ma and

Sammi Huang

YES - Smoking should be allowed in schools. Many students tend

to be influenced by older peers while at school or in public. When friends start smoking, you start to feel left out. By smoking, you feel a sense of belonging. Cigarettes are used to cope with stress from schoolwork or any

issues. Studies show that the nicotine in cigarettes help prevent ameliorate Parkinson’s and Alzheimer. Nicotine can stimulate dopamine release in the striatum. Meaning smoking does come with benefits but not for all. By the time many students turn 18, they are legal to smoke and are capable of obtaining these products.

NO- Smoking should not be allowed in schools. Smoking harms the health of the students smoking and the students inhaling it. Smoking can cause lung cancer which causes death. Smoking makes the environment toxic and many students are second hand smoking which can also harm their lungs. Some students in high school are 18 years old which is the legal age for smoking in the US meaning they can purchase smoke. Younger students can be influenced and start smoking from the ages of 14-17. Seniors can also sell smoke meaning more students under the legal age can get their hands on smoke. Cigarettes are addicting and can stop development if you get addicted too young. Smoking is harmful to the smoker and everyone around so it should not be allowed it school.

Do you think smoking should be allowed in high schools?