Smoking and your child or teen

Smoking kills more than 45,000 Canadians each year -- six times more than car accidents, suicides, homicides, and AIDS combined. Every year, thousands of teenagers smoke their first cigarette. In fact, close to 90% of adult smokers smoked their first cigarette before the age of 18.

Why are cigarettes so dangerous?

Cigarettes contain nicotine – one of the most addictive substances in the world. Other products with nicotine include: nicotine-containing vaping devices (or e-cigarettes), hookah pipes, cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, and “snuff”. Some newer kinds of smokeless tobacco even look like candy or breath-strips.

How do I know if my child or teen is likely to start smoking?

Some children or teens are more at risk of becoming regular smokers. Here are some factors that could make them more likely to start smoking:

• use of vaping devices/e-cigarettes
• easy access to cigarettes/tobacco (such as from friends, family members, a store or an illegal supplier)
• a parent who smokes
• peer pressure
• low family income
• emotional, physical or sexual abuse in the home
• parents who are separated or divorced
• living with someone who abuses drugs or alcohol, or has been to prison
• doing poorly in school
• depression and mental health problems, or living with someone with mental illness
• exposure to tobacco advertising
• being an LGBTQ or Aboriginal/Indigenous youth

How addictive is nicotine?

Children or teenagers can start craving nicotine just 3 months after their first cigarette.

Teens can experience withdrawal symptoms (physical or emotional symptoms that happen when a person with regular use of a substance stops using it) after smoking less than 100 cigarettes (4-5 packs).

How does nicotine affect my child’s brain?

Nicotine can have long-term and harmful effects on a child or teenager’s brain. Regular use can lead to a nicotine use disorder and is associated with other substance use problems, as well as mood disorders in adulthood. 

Should I worry if my child or teen uses vaping devices/e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco?

Yes. Vaping devices/e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are often seen as being “safer” or less addictive than cigarettes but some of these products actually contain more nicotine. This increases the chances of nicotine dependence and nicotine poisoning. As well:

• Vaping devices/e-cigarettes are associated with an increased risk of using tobacco products.
• The second-hand aerosol from vaping devices/e-cigarettes contains harmful toxins that can worsen existing breathing troubles like asthma.
• Smokeless tobacco can cause bad breath, teeth problems, and increase the risk of ear, nose and throat cancers.

How can I encourage my child or teen not to smoke?

• Limit or eliminate exposure to cigarettes and tobacco/vaping products at home.
• Show interest in your child’s health.
• Have open conversations about smoking/vaping and make sure your child understands the risks.

When and how should I talk to my child or teen about smoking?

It’s never too early or too late to talk to your child or teen about the risks of smoking and vaping. Many children start smoking as early as age 12. Use messaging that is appropriate to your child’s age.

For more information specifically about vaping, visit Talking with your teen about vaping.

My child is already smoking. How can I convince them to stop?

Consult the list below, or talk to your child’s health care provider. They can offer suggestions and resources to help.