Smoking
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. When cigarettes are burned, they release over 5,000 different chemicals, and many of these are poisonous. At least 70 of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke can cause cancer. Cigarettes and tobacco contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that makes it hard to stop once you start. There is no safe level of smoking—so not smoking at all, or quitting completely, is the best thing you can do for your health.
Under the new tobacco and vapes bill, each year the legal age for cigarette sales- currently 18- will increase by one year. It means that people born in or after 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.
Smoking at the law
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy cigarettes in the UK.
- Adults must not buy cigarettes for anyone under 18—this is a criminal offence.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed workplaces, public buildings, and on public transport.
- It is illegal to smoke in a car (or any vehicle) with anyone under 18 present.
Passive smoking
- Passive smoking is when you breath in someone else's smoke from their cigarette.
- It is also called second-hand smoke.
- Second-hand smoke is dangerous, especially for children/young people and can damage your health. It is just as dangerous as smoking.
How you can support your teen
- Start the Conversation: Talk openly with your teen about the risks of smoking and second-hand smoke. Make sure they know the facts and the laws.
- Be a Role Model: If you smoke, consider quitting. Teens are less likely to smoke if their parents and carers don’t.
- Set Clear Expectations: Let your teen know you do not approve of smoking or vaping, and explain why.
- Create a Smoke-Free Home and Car: Protect your family from second-hand smoke by keeping your home and car smoke-free.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in the law and new trends, such as vaping.
- Work with schools/services: if you suspect your child is smoking, speak with school, health-services or local stop smoking services. QuitReady Leicestershire & Rutland offer free support to young people to quit smoking or vaping. Call 0345 646 6666 or e-mail quitreadyyp@leics.gov.uk.
For further support and information...
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