That might be the case in America, perhaps.

However, in the UK it seems there's increasing trends of children aged from around ten onwards engaging in... well illegal activity such as sex (have to be sixteen), alcohol and cigarettes (have to be eighteen for both); all simply to fit in with what they believe to be the societal norm. There's rising figures for teenage pregnancies, particularly in the south.

I started smoking around twelve or so, as a social thing, and I believe I got my brace... around fourteen or so. It's a bad habit though, and one that's very hard to shake off, but having the brace gave me a bit of discipline and the thought of "why am I putting myself through twice as much work each morning and night for a packet of fags?".

That and it's darn expensive.
its in america too but smoking isnt quite as popular among youngsters, alcohol and sex of course are.

getting your braces on doesnt hurt. and i never really had trouble after. they like hot cement them on. right after you get the off you will have the sexiest smile ever because they grind off the old gunk and your teeth are absolutely white.