Teenagers whose parents smoke four times more likely to take up the habit

Dec 28, 2021

Teenagers with parents who smoke are four times more likely to take up the habit, according to a government campaign.

The Better Health Smoke Free initiative highlights research showing the impact adult smokers have on younger people.

Some 4.9% of young teenagers who grow up with a smoking caregiver also smoke regularly, against just 1.2% for those whose caregiver doesn’t smoke.

The NHS has released a film as part of the campaign showing health experts discussing the link between adults smoking and the chances of their children starting.

It shows a family GP, a child psychologist and smoking cessation experts Professor Nick Hopkinson and Dr Anthony Laverty from Imperial College London urging parents to quit for their new year resolution.

It’s hoped the research on the link between children and adults smoking will give people extra willpower, said health minister Maggie Throup.

She said: “We know that many people make a quit attempt in January, and while there are so many good reasons to stop smoking for yourself, we hope that this new campaign – by highlighting the inter-generational smoking link with parents influencing their children – will be the added motivation many need to ditch the cigarettes for good this year.

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“With so much help and support available for parents, carers and anyone looking to quit – including the NHS Quit Smoking app, support on Facebook, daily emails and texts, and an online Personal Quit Plan – you won’t be alone in your new year’s resolution.”

The NHS gives the following tips for a smoker who has named their quit date:

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