Youth

Each year in Massachusetts, about 7,000 young people become new daily smokers.

Young people who are hooked now face a lifetime of addiction. Nearly all adult smokers started before they were 18. Because their bodies and brains are still developing, young people are especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Tobacco use changes the pathways of the brain and interferes with normal development.

Tobacco use is a gateway to other drugs. For teenagers, using tobacco is an entry point to other high-risk behaviors. Young people who smoke are 4 times more likely to use alcohol. They are 26 times more likely to use cocaine.

The tobacco industry is targeting your kids—right in your own backyard. Visit OPPOSE to join the opposition against the industry’s underhanded tactics to hook young people in Massachusetts.

84% of Massachusetts youth don't smoke, and many are working to combat Big Tobacco’s influence on their communities. Visit the84.org to join the movement against the industry led by youth for youth.

Learn more:

• School health resources for educators and school administrators addressing broad school health issues of physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco use prevention.
• Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids helps change public attitudes and public policies on tobacco to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. CTFK sponsors Kick Butts Day a national day to inspire youth to speak up against Big Tobacco, which young people from Massachusetts participate in each year.
• Reports on youth access and tobacco use trends in Massachusetts (scroll down the page to see youth reports)