Children and young people - Turning off the tap of new smokers
Young smokers are much more likely to live in families that smoke, have friends who smoke and have exaggerated perceptions of how common and acceptable smoking is. Around 340,000 children try their first cigarette each year and the average age for existing smokers in the North East to have started is 15, with many starting as young as nine.
Research shows that while many young people will give smoking a try, only a minority (less than a third) go on to become regular smokers. But beyond the age of 24 years these regular smokers usually increase their smoking and find it increasingly hard to quit. Research also shows smoking during childhood may lead to lasting or even permanent genetic damage in the lungs that increases the risk of lung cancer.
The tobacco industry spends tens of millions of pounds on trying to get new customers. Mums, dads and grandparents who want to protect their children from tobacco promotion are being urged to show their support by signing up in support of plain, standardised packaging. All signatures will be fed through to a national consultation.
Tackling smoking among young people is a key part of Fresh's comprehensive tobacco control programme. A North East regional smoking and young people group was established in September 2007, made up of representatives from statutory and voluntary groups and organisations, all of whom have a role to play in reducing smoking among young people. The group meets quarterly.
In 2008/9 FRESH funded a small roll out in five localities an academic evaluation of a theatre-in- education led programme focussing on the role of the tobacco industry in Key Stage 3 and 4 of the curriculum. This followed a pilot of ‘The Truth’ programme led by Newcastle Primary Care Trust. Northumbria University were commissioned to undertake an evaluation of this and their report is available.
It demonstrates there is a role for such a programme but only within a wider tobacco control context and there are specific recommendations made. If any one wishes to discuss this programme in more detail please contact the Ailsa Rutter in the FRESH Office.
Read the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) report on Young People and Smoking.