Why are youngsters still taking up smoking?

For more than 10 years, Allen Carr’s Easyway has been warning that widespread vaping by millions of people who have been convinced to vape instead of smoke would reignite the interest in smoking and smoker-like behaviour amongst youngsters

Smoking and smoker-like behaviour was on the way out – with the youngsters of fifteen or so years ago showing little or no interest in it.

Yet here we are with record numbers of youngsters vaping, but 350 youngsters a day taking up smoking.

Not only that, but “dual use”, meaning someone smokes and vapes, appears to be more common than ever.

What are the reasons for young people continuing to take up smoking?

The BBC report, by health reporter Aurelia Foster, contains the reasons (or excuses) cited by youngsters as well as insights from those who consider themselves experts.

The piece says that the allure of smoking persists among young people in the UK, with nearly one in ten 15-year-olds admitting to smoking occasionally.

Despite the well-documented health risks, factors like social pressure, peer influence, and perceived positive image play significant roles in motivating young people to start smoking.

Louis, a 22-year-old student, shares his experience of starting smoking at university, initially attracted by curiosity and later by the social aspect, often indulging during nights out.

Interestingly, he was already addicted to nicotine through vaping, which he found convenient for constant puffing. This trend of using both cigarettes and vapes is common among young adults, suggesting, says the report, a complex relationship between the two.

In fact, it’s not quite as complex as inferred. After all, nicotine is a highly addictive drug and the nature of drug addiction causes addicts to have ever increasing doses of the drug more and more frequently.

Dual users smoke when they can and vape when they cannot

While research on the transition from vaping to smoking remains inconclusive, Dr Sarah Jackson from University College London’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group suggests a potential link between vaping and risk-taking behaviour.

Smoking and vaping in the movies, on TV, and on social media are influential

Peer pressure and societal influences, including depictions of smoking in media and cultural nostalgia, contribute to the persistence of smoking among young people.

Despite awareness of the health risks, individuals like Ryan, who told the BBC that he started smoking at a young age due to familial and social influences, but claims to smokes now for the thrill and excitement it offers.

Well…that’s why he thinks he smokes. Of course the real reason is that he’s a nicotine addict.

Other than the first few rebellious puffs as a youngster, smoking becomes no more “thrilling” or “exciting” than going to the bathroom or breathing.

It’s just part and parcel of being a nicotine addict and youngsters would much prefer to view it as something dramatic and exciting – than admit the truth…they’re hooked.

Further reading

If you know any youngsters that could benefit with help to stop smoking, a good place to start is to read our how to quit vaping guide, and also our 10 tips to quit smoking guide.

• BBC story about why young people are taking up smoking
• Learn how Allen Carr’s Easyway can help you with our quit smoking programmes and our quit vaping programmes