[Tobacco smoking among the primary and high school children in the administrative district of Sokółka].

Tobacco smoking is the most serious health and social problem. Most of the elderly smokers start smoking at age of 13 to 15 years. The aim of the thesis was to survey the tobacco smoking and the knowledge about the harmfulness of the tobacco smoking among the young people. The investigated material is the 365 persons' group of boys and girls from the 13 schools in the administrative district of Sokółka, who took part in the antinicotine educational program. The questionnaire was used before the program was started. Even though the investigated people evaluated their knowledge about the harmfulness of tobacco smoking very well, they still attempt this risky behavior. More often the young people smoke in order to impress their friends. 18% boys and girls attempted smoking in the primary schools and 35% in the high schools. The survey shows that every third pupil in the primary schools recived the proposal of smoking. Among the investigated people the proportion of smokers is lower as compared to the others of the similar age group in Poland in 1998. Experimenting on smoking is dangerous as the proportion of smokers is rising with their age. It is necessary to introduce the prophylactic actions in every type of school. The programs should be concentrated on preventing the youth from the risky addictions and reducing the risky factors.