Tobacco use is one of the 21st-century challenges whose trend can cause a death toll of 1 billion people if it is not checked. This is despite having bans on selling to minors, wherein approximately 25% of youth under 18 use tobacco, and 12.6% of those smoke multiple tobacco products. The effects are far-reaching in terms of economic costs, health risks, and social influences.
Most of the programs and policies have nothing specific for any age. What is applicable to old may not work for young. A more holistic approach for youths can be more effective and efficient. More preventive measures translate to reducing the risk of serious addictions and health complications later on. Existing policies need to show a more explicit focus towards the young.
Tobacco use among youth is an international problem. Yet more than half of the 1.2 billion smokers worldwide are young. The prevalence varies according to region and tends to be higher among boys. Smokeless tobacco use is increasing. In India, 21% of adolescents use tobacco. While the prevalence of smoking has been reducing in some countries, total number of smokers increased due to increased population.
Youth is the critical period of life, which is variously defined. For instance, the United Nations' system defines youth as the period between 15-24 years of age; however, other organisations have their own parameters regarding age. Therefore, for this study, the definition of youth shall be used indiscriminately to include all contexts and definitions of the term.
Some of the theories that explain why youth start smoking include social learning, psychological development, and behaviour theories. Family, social environments, and media influence are major influencing factors. Students in high school whose family members or social friends are smokers, or who are influenced by advertisements, are likely to be smokers. Smoking at a young age mostly leads to addiction and other problems related to substance use.
Tobacco use in youth is an international health crisis that warrants age-specific policies. Understanding the best drivers among youth smokers and developing effective prevention programs can help reduce the burden of tobacco use on public health.
