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Youth Survey: Smoking Risks are Becoming Clear
In 2003, when 5,392 Northwest Ohio students in grades 4-12 were asked about tobacco and tobacco use, their opinions indicated a good understanding of the potential risks. In fact, most students said their friends, family and peers would disapproved if they smoked today. And of the students who had smoked cigarettes, over half claimed they wanted to stop.

Youth Tobacco Survey Findings
- 94% of the students said tobacco was addictive.
- 96% thought secondhand smoke was harmful.
- 92% said young people risk harming themselves, even if they smoke only 1-5 cigarettes per day.
- 85% believe smoking should not be allowed on school property.
- 83% said schools should definitely or probably offer smoking cessation programs.

Program parameters: Schools from all 16 NW Ohio counties were sampled using a modified National Youth Tobacco Survey 2001-2002 questionnaire. Of 194 schools in the region, 124 (64%) participated. The final sample size was 5,392 students; 95% completed the survey.

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