To better understand
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Québec. Available in several forms, including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, shisha, etc., it can lead to organ damage and cause several different diseases. The nicotine found in tobacco creates a powerful physical and psychological addiction. Did you know that a teenager can show signs of addiction after just one smoking experience? Nicotine can also alter brain development in teens, affecting their memory and concentration. All very valid reasons to be concerned about smoking!
Adolescence is a critical period when it comes to experimenting with smoking. Most adult smokers will tell you they started smoking during their teen years. Hence the importance of preventing smoking in teenagers and of helping teenage smokers in their efforts to quit.
Smoking and teens in the Montérégie region
- 3 % of teens smoke cigarettes daily or occasionally.
- The proportion of smokers rises to 13,9% in teens enrolled in specific programs (vocational programs, special education programs, etc.).
- 3 % of teens have tried smoking for the first time before age 13 (smoking a full cigarette.).
- 1 in 10 teens smokes cigarillos (in the past month).
Want to learn more ?
Check out our information sheets for more statistics, key facts, and solutions for families, schools, and communities.
To better support
Tips and tricks
Your teen needs to be able to stand up for themselves! As a parent, you can help them do this by showing them some techniques for saying no:
- Humour: “No, I’d rather do (something ridiculous) than smoke!’’
- Polite refusal: “No thanks, I don’t smoke.”
- Psychology: Return the question to the other person, without judgement: “Why do you smoke?”
- Broken record: Always give the same answer: “No, thanks!”
- Facts: “Did you know that a few cigarettes are all it takes to get addicted?”
In short
- Known to create a powerful addiction, nicotine also has harmful effects on brain development;
- A teenager can show signs of addiction after just one smoking experience;
- Adolescence is a critical period when it comes to experimenting with smoking.
Practical resources and tools
1. For support :
Are you dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information :
- Tobacco-Free Quebec website
- Also see our En mode ado section on vaping:
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