After a recent survey among Bronx teenage girls, health officials say they have a better idea of how to keep future teens from picking up the habit.

The city?s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene sat down with girls who attend a city private school to discuss smoking. Some girls believe cigarettes make them look experienced, rebellious and sophisticated. Other girls see cigarettes as accessories like handbags and shoes.

Health officials say they learned a great deal about how to approach teenage girls about kicking the habit. Some girls told the officials that the message to quit smoking should come from a peer or adult who teens respect and can talk to about peer pressure.

Related Information: Information on tobacco cessation and how to get help to quit smoking call 311 NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids American Legacy Foundation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention