Young People, Smoking and Mental Health

Two-thirds of adults who smoke report that they first tried smoking when they were under the age of 18. Smoking amongst young people is declining but there is still lots of work to be done, with 11% of young people aged between 11-15 years of age reporting having smoked.

Smokefree Sheffield offers free, confidential support to help young people stop smoking in a way that works for them. It’s easier to stop smoking with the right support.

Young people, smoking and mental health

It’s important to address the myths around smoking and mental health. Some young people think that smoking provides relief from stress, anxiety and low mood, but the opposite is true. 

Helping a young person to understand that smoking can negatively impact their mental health may support them to stop smoking and prevent others from starting in the first place. The stop smoking conversation should not be a one-off thing. If a young person isn’t ready to quit yet, they may consider it again in the future. Ensuring they are equipped with the facts is essential to helping them make an informed decision.

Smoking and breaking the cycle

Smoking can offer a temporary sense of relief, but this soon gives way to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. When someone hasn’t had a cigarette for a while the craving can make them feel irritable and anxious, which may make them reach for another cigarette.

This traps them in a cycle, and stopping smoking is the first step in breaking this cycle.

Help young people to quit

If you know or work with young people who would like to stop smoking, encourage them to get support, as they are three times more likely to quit for good with support. 

Smokefree Sheffield provides free, confidential support to young people across the city. Click here to find out about the support that is available: https://smokefreesheffield.org/yp-smh/