Young People and Smoking
Two-thirds of smokers start smoking before they are 18. By the age of 15, 14% of boys and 16% of girls smoke, the rate increasing in the late teens and early twenties.
To reduce the rate of smoking among young people, the UK government has adopted a policy of working towards a smokefree society:
- The Smokefree Legislation was introduced in July 2007.
- The age of purchasing tobacco was raised to 18 in October 2007.
- Retailer sanctions were introduced in April 2009.
- Picture warnings were introduced on packs of cigarettes from October 2008.
- Health Act 2009: tobacco vending machines will be banned from October 2011. Also prohibited the display of tobacco in large retailers from October 2011 in and small retailers from October 2013. The Coalition Government is currently reviewing this aspect of the legislation.
If you would like to develop your awareness around smoking and young people, you can access our e-learning course.
There are also half-day workshops available on Smoking and Young People for anyone working in the Hampshire County Council area. For more information please visit the Hampshire Learning Zone.
