Tobacco

Helping teens avoid starting to use tobacco is one of the most important and doable things you can do for their long-term health. The vast majority of adult smokers (90%) began when they were teens.[1] People who don’t start smoking as teenagers are unlikely to start. The good news is that today’s teens are less likely to use tobacco than teens of a generation ago. You can help teens avoid starting to use tobacco, making it unlikely that they will ever become addicted to nicotine or face the other major health risks that come from using tobacco.


[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). Cigarette use among high school students—United States, 1991-2005. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 55(26), 724-726.

Last updated: January 26, 2013