Youth smoking rates hit record low

A perspective paper published in our journal Public Health Research & Practice showing that youth smoking in NSW has dropped to its lowest rate ever, attracted significant media interest. The paper, by authors from the Cancer Institute NSW and the NSW Ministry of Health, showed only 6.7% of adolescents aged 12−17 years described themselves as heavy, light or occasional smokers. It said this represented a drop of nearly 18% since 1996, when the figure was 23.5%.

A selection of media coverage

Australian adolescent smoking rates drop to record low; cigarette pricing, plain packaging, public education praised
ABC News

Aust youth smoking rates at record low
SBS

Smoking rates among Australian children and teens hit record low
Nine news

Australian teenage smoking at record low but ‘constant vigilance’ required
The Guardian

Teenagers turn off smoking
The Western Advocate

Find out more