Smoking cessation and prevention for young people
- 80% of adult smokers started smoking in their teens.
- It only takes one cigarette a week for a young person to become addicted.
- Around 450 young people start smoking every day in the UK
- Half of all smokers will die from a smoking related illness
Although the numbers of smokers has dropped considerably over the last ten years there is still a long way to go in convincing some young people about the dangers of smoking.
Key influences include where young people are exposed to the norm within the family and neighbourhood to smoke. Young people are more likely to start smoking in a community where smoking is common and tolerated and cigarettes readily available (and cheaper). Smoking by people that are admired such as older siblings and celebrities are powerful influences together with pervasive positive images in the media, films and TV.
'The young persons smoking cessation and prevention service' in Portsmouth gives support to schools by offering health professional input into classes, lesson plans and loan of smoking related resources.
For more information contact:
Andy Ames at the Health Improvement and Development Service
Tel: 023 9284 1560 or, E-mail: andy.ames@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
As well as offering preventative support to young people the 'young person's smoking prevention and cessation service' offers both one-one and group support to young people who would like help in quitting smoking. Cessation is delivered through an eight week programme offering NRT and support. If you are interested in hosting a group or offering individual young people support contact:
Tel: 023 9284 1560 or, E-mail: andy.ames@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
