The Impact of Electronic Cigarettes on Junior High School Students – A Case Study of Junior High School Students in Chiayi County, Taiwan

Abstract

Background: Preventing crime or illegal behavior early on, especially among junior high school students whose minds and bodies are still developing, will have a significant impact on their future adult behavior. Electronic cigarettes are emerging contraband, particularly enticing to some junior high school students. Researching this topic can provide insights into how likely junior high school students are to be tempted by novelty. Method: This study adopts a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with five junior high school students who have previously used electronic cigarettes, using purposive sampling to obtain firsthand information and present the perspectives of 14-15-year-olds on electronic cigarettes. Results: Students influence each other through peer relationships, with negative friends or classmates encouraging the adoption of criminal behaviors. Variables related to individual personality and social environment interact to shape criminal behavior. When external social temptations (external forces) and internal tendencies or resistance (internal forces) both lean towards criminal behavior, individuals are more likely to engage in crime. Conclusion: Classical criminology emphasizes the theory of free will, asserting that every individual has the ability to discern right from wrong and freely choose their behavior in pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain. If the chosen behavior is illegal, punishment must be accepted. Fortunately, in this study case, four out of five students emphasized that they would not smoke electronic cigarettes in the future, citing reasons such as the lack of attractiveness of electronic cigarettes and awareness of the harm they cause to the body.