- Over 80% of young people who start smoking do so by the age of
16. - The average age of smoking initiation in BC is 12.7 years.
These two numbers point to the importance of starting early and
targeting youth in the school-aged years. Researchers have
identified that educational strategies in conjunction with
community and media based activities are effective in reducing
initiation. Tobacco Reduction Coordinators working together with
Public Health Nurses and school staff have the unique
opportunity to influence youth to never use tobacco products.
Northern Health’s Tobacco Reduction Program has FREE tobacco
reduction resources available to schools. Resources include
video’s, brochures, posters and lesson plans.