[Smoking among school children from the Wielkopolska region]

Smoking defines as a gate open for development other addictions in a group of adolescents. The aim of the study was the estimation the phenomena of smoking among children and adolescents as well as the knowledge concerning the negative effects of it in Big Poland area in every type of school. In the study participated 1533 pupils from every kind of schools. The questionnaire own concept was used in the study. It estimated the frequency of smoking and knowledge concerning the effects of smoking in respondents. The results underwent the statistical analysis. The results show that 88.78% children and adolescents state that they do not have any problems with smoking. 37% non-smoking pupils state they started smoking in the past. The most important reason for smoking was the influence of social environment - at school or in a place of living. The age structure shows the pupils start to smoke between 13-15 yrs of age. 56.4%. The knowledge about negative effects of smoking is on media level, in most case true. Pupils try to stop smoking often but the trials are not as effective as they expect. The result show there is the necessity of making some efforts toward more effective educational activities and preparation some specialist support in addiction treatment.