6 in 10 young people who have ever smoked regret it, as 100-day countdown to a smokefree generation begins
New data shows 62% of 11 to 17-year-olds who have ever smoked regret it, while two-thirds of young people support the landmark Smokefree Generation law that will protect future generations from ever starting.
As the UK marks 100 days until the Smokefree Generation law, new data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows that 62% of 11 to 17-year-olds who have ever smoked say they would not start smoking if they could go back in time. Findings also show widespread support for action to break the cycle of smoking for future generations, as two-thirds (66%) of young people welcome the upcoming law that will protect today’s children from a lifetime of tobacco harms.
Most people who smoke start young; data from the ASH/YouGov adult survey finds that 54% of current smokers first had a cigarette between the ages of 10-15 and a further 29% when they were 16-18.
Support for the policy is also strong among GB adults, with 65% supporting the Smokefree Generation.
On 1st January 2027, the UK will become only the second country in the world to create a Smokefree Generation by continuously raising the age of sale for tobacco. The landmark policy was included in the Tobacco and Vapes Act, meaning anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 cannot ever legally be sold any tobacco product.
The Smokefree Generation policy represents a major shift in the UK's approach to tobacco – moving beyond helping people quit after they become addicted, towards preventing future generations from becoming addicted in the first place. The measure is expected to protect around 4 million young people nationally from tobacco within the next five years.
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said:
“In just 100 days, the UK will take a historic step towards breaking the cycle of tobacco addiction, marking the beginning of the end for smoking in this country.
“Smoking is an addiction that overwhelmingly starts in childhood. Rather than waiting for children to become addicted and then asking them to quit, the landmark Smokefree Generation policy gives us the opportunity to prevent that addiction from taking hold in the first place.
“The strong support for the Smokefree Generation from young people and the wider public shows that this is a policy people want to see succeed.
“Now the countdown is on. We must make sure the Smokefree Generation is implemented effectively and delivers on its promise to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco.”
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:
"In 100 days, we will take a major step towards creating a smokefree generation and protecting young people from a lifetime of addiction and disease.
“Tobacco remains the leading cause of cancer in the UK, and around 370 young people start smoking every day. This landmark legislation will help to prevent cancers caused by smoking and ensure fewer families experience the devastating impact of tobacco.
“The evidence is clear, the public supports action and Parliament has backed change. Governments across the UK must now ensure the law is fully implemented and properly enforced alongside vital support to help people quit smoking.”
John Maingay, director of policy and influencing at the British Heart Foundation said:
“Smoking remains a leading preventable cause of heart attacks and strokes, causing tens of thousands of deaths each year in the UK. We are now on the cusp of landmark legislation which will protect future generations from the significant harm inflicted on our nation's health by tobacco. We look forward to seeing the Tobacco and Vapes Act come into force, which coupled with sustained help for people to quit will save countless lives in the coming years.”
FPH President Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz said
"With 100 days to go until the Smokefree Generation begins, this new data shows just how strongly young people themselves want this policy. Most people who smoke start as children, and most young people who have tried smoking now wish they hadn't. The Smokefree Generation will stop a new generation from ever becoming addicted to tobacco, and will help to reduce the health inequalities that smoking continues to drive in our most disadvantaged communities.
Effective implementation across all four nations will now be essential. The Faculty urges governments to ensure the policy is properly enforced and backed by sustained investment in support for people who smoke to quit, so that we deliver a truly smokefree UK."
ENDS
Notes to editors
- ASH adult survey conducted by YouGov. Total sample size was 13,259 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18/02/2026 - 19/03/2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
- ASH youth survey conducted by YouGov. Total sample size was 2,926 11-17 year olds (559 ever smokers). Fieldwork was undertaken between 03/04/2026 - 06/05/2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB youth aged 11-17.
- Around 4 million children will turn 18 between 1st January 2027 and 1st January 2031. Based on ONS population estimates for 11-15 year olds in 2024: link