Smoking rates among young people have been reducing since the late 1990s, but some young people smoke tobacco products or use e-cigarettes under the legal age of 18 years.
Factors that influence smoking
- Parent who smokes
- Siblings who smoke
- Friends and peers smoking
- Ease of obtaining cigarettes
The earlier young people start smoking, the greater the risk of long-term harm. Young people who start smoking early are more likely to become heavy smokers, less likely to stop smoking and more likely to experience health problems as a result of smoking.
Health problems for young people who smoke
- Respiratory problems – more prone to cough, phlegm, shortness of breath
- Impaired lung growth
- Premature lung function decline which might make them more prone to lung disease as adults
- Addiction to nicotine – this starts within 4 weeks of starting to smoke
The law and smoking
It is illegal to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and liquids to young people under 18. It is illegal for an adult to buy these items for a young person under 18.
Advice and assistance for young people who smoke
The NHS offer support for young people who would like to stop smoking. Young people can be prescribed nicotine replacement products to help them stop. Young people can speak with their GP, or with their LAC Nurse for advice and assistance. Help is also available through the Smokefree website:
