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Smoking and Young people

Smoking and vaping are two sides of the same coin when it comes to the challenges facing young people today. While smoking rates among teens have decreased significantly over the years, new threats have emerged with the rise of vaping. Both habits are harmful, addictive, and often targeted at the most vulnerable in our communities—our children.

From glamorous depictions in media to brightly coloured vape packaging on store shelves, young people are bombarded with messages normalising these behaviours. Whether it’s a celebrity lighting up in a music video or social media influencers promoting cigarette culture, the influence on young minds is undeniable.

Despite progress, there is still so much work to be done to protect young people in Wales from the harms of smoking and vaping.

What's The Issue?

Smoking remains a critical issue among young people, with around 7% of 15–16-year-olds in Wales still smoking regularly. Meanwhile, vaping has surged, with 24% of children saying they’ve tried it and 13% of 15–16-year-olds vaping regularly.

Cultural factors, peer influence, and targeted marketing all play a role in why young people take up these habits. Smoking and vaping are increasingly intertwined, with many young people experimenting with both.

Why It Matters?

Smoking Is Still a Problem

While we’ve made great strides in reducing smoking rates among young people, it’s not a battle we’ve won. Smoking is still glamorised in popular culture, with celebrities and influencers showcasing it as trendy. This exposure can undo years of progress, drawing young people into a habit that’s addictive and deadly.

Vaping Brings New Risks

Vaping may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, but for young people, it’s creating a new generation of nicotine dependency. Many vapes contain illegal levels of nicotine, and the fruity flavours and colourful packaging make them even more appealing to children.

Health and Addiction

Both smoking and vaping can have serious long-term health consequences. Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable illness and death, and vaping’s long-term effects are not yet fully understood. What we do know is that nicotine addiction, no matter the source, is harmful to mental and physical health.

Role of Media

Whether it’s smoking scenes in films or vape advertisements on social media, young people are constantly exposed to images that normalise these habits. This makes it harder to break the cycle of addiction and prevents young people from seeing smoking and vaping for what they are—harmful and dangerous.

Key Stats

ASH Wales Youth Vaping Survey – May 2024

ASH Wales’ new youth survey, the largest of its kind in the UK, reveals over half (55%) of all children who …

New Survey: Most Welsh Businesses Support New Tobacco Laws

A new survey by ASH Wales Cymru today reveals that support for new tobacco laws among small business owners is …

UK Gov: Raising Age of Sale and Ban on Disposable Vapes

A package of measures announced by the UK Government as part of its response to the consultation on smoking and …

Enterprise Rent-a-Car Support Schools Vaping Education Initiative

A ground-breaking initiative to support pupils and teachers across Wales to better understand and deal with youth vaping has been …

Nearly Two Thirds of People in Wales Support Raising the Age of Sale – November 2023

Almost two thirds of people in Wales back raising the age of sale to create a smoke-free generation. Plans to …

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