Smoking and second-hand smoke is still a serious health issue for today’s youth

Recent figures show that progress on tobacco is stalled for Ontarians aged 15 to 19*.

While the health risks of tobacco are well known, many young people may start smoking for a number of reasons, including feeling pressure to ‘fit in’ with their friends and having easy access to cheap and illegal tobacco at school from their friends.

About 90% of smokers, started smoking before the age of 18 so reducing youth smoking is extremely important. 

And even if our children don’t smoke, they may still be affected by the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. While many indoor public places are smoke-free in Ontario, children may still be exposed to second-hand smoke at home or in outdoor areas, which poses a risk to their health. Children are more at risk of getting sick than adults when they breathe in second-hand smoke because their bodies are still growing.

Together, we can all take steps to ensure our children understand the dangers of smoking so they don’t start and protect them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

• Learn more about contraband – cheap, illegal tobacco that’s easily accessible to our kids (links to appropriate ‘Contraband’ page)
• Second-hand smoke is a danger to our children’s health. Learn about some common myths and facts.  (links to appropriate ‘second-hand smoke’ page)
• Learn about smoking in movies.
• Lean how to talk to your child about smoking.

*Source: Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey
** Source:  Youth Smoking Survey