Youth smoking declines
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials say smoking by middle and high school students has dropped to an all-time low.
The 2012 Wisconsin Youth Tobacco Survey, released Monday, found that 13 percent of high schoolers say they smoke and 2.5 percent of middle schoolers admit to smoking. The last study in 2010 showed nearly 18 percent of high schooner and nearly 4 percent of middle schooler smoked.
The survey is done by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The 2012 figures contrast sharply with 2000, when 33 percent of high school students and 12 percent of middle school students said they smoked.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said the dramatic decline means nearly 200,000 fewer Wisconsin kids will grow up to be adult smokers.
Dec 11, 2012 at 8:48 a.m.
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To doubt the veracity of the survey, the accuser would have to prove that the rate of lying involved in the newer survey is different than the rate of lying in previous surveys.
In other words, if the rate of lying is the same, then, the lower rate of kids who admit to smoking verifies that there's a decrease in youth smoking.
Dec 11, 2012 at 7:41 a.m.
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It's reasonable to attribute, at least in part, the drop in youth smoking to the smoking bans for bars and restaurants. The will of the people having a positive effect.
Dec 11, 2012 at 7:13 a.m.
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This survey is worthless...what percentage of students actually admit it? Probably pretty small seeing its illegal. How many of you people would admit to breaking the law in a survey? man people are dumb. 100% worthless inacurate stats.
Dec 10, 2012 at 8:56 p.m.
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Smoking is down, but drug use is up,they don't have time to smoke when there all flugged up!!
Wish these people would tell the whole story,not just what they want...
Dec 10, 2012 at 6:26 p.m.
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Does anybody remember when you could smoke in the J room at Craig?
Still, 13% is way too high.
Dec 10, 2012 at 6:14 p.m.
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Many of the middle school and high school students might be adults already.
Dec 10, 2012 at 5:38 p.m.
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What a shame. Just when legalizing pot is on it's way. What will kids do now?
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