Most Young Smokers Wish They Had Never Started – One Year Ahead of Landmark Smokefree Generation Policy

New data shows that 69% of 11–17-year-olds in Great Britain who currently smoke say that, if they could go back in time, they would not have started smoking. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they want to quit. With just one year to go until the government’s planned smokefree generation policy comes into force, the data highlights the importance of phasing out the sale of tobacco, ending the harm from tobacco for the next generation.

The data comes from Action on Smoking and Health’s annual survey of 2,746 young people, conducted with YouGov. In 2025, 5.7% reported being current smokers, equating to approximately 325,000 children. This group represents the cohort to whom the smokefree generation policy will apply. From January 2027, the policy will begin phasing out the sale of tobacco to people born in 2009 or later, ensuring that future generations are protected from ever being legally sold cigarettes. 

The data also shows that young people who smoke support phasing out the sale of tobacco with 60% in support and only 18% opposing. Research from the University of Nottingham indicates that this support is linked to their understanding that the smokefree generation law will provide freedom from addiction and harms.[1] Two third of those who try smoking go on to be regular smokers [2] and children who try smoking can shows signs of addiction with 4 weeks of starting to smoke.[3] 

Most adults who smoke first try it before the age of 18, and starting younger is associated with increased harm including subsequent heavier smoking, higher levels of dependency, a lower chance of quitting, and higher mortality.[4] [5] 

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also give the Government powers to bring in a new licensing scheme for retailers, to support stronger enforcement of the age of sale. Currently no license is required to sell tobacco. 

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, said: 

“While rates of smoking among children are at an all-time low those who do rapidly regret starting. It is therefore unsurprising that they also support a law that will mean they can never legally buy tobacco. Smokers old and young understand what it means to be addicted to something you know is harming you – there is no freedom in addiction. The next year will be crucial, with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill due to return to Parliament for its final stage, setting the UK on course to end the harm from tobacco for the next generation.” 

Professor Steve Turner, President of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said:

“It does not surprise me, but it saddens me to hear that the majority of young people who smoke wish they never started. As a society we must listen to young people and protect them from lifelong nicotine addiction. 

“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our children and protect future generations from harm. We also need to provide smoking cessation services for children and young people who, as this survey shows, are keen to quit.”

Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said:

 “An estimated nine million people have died from smoking in the UK since the 1960s, and around 160 people are still diagnosed with cancer caused by smoking every day. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a historic step towards putting an end to this harm and helping to protect future generations from a lifetime of deadly, costly addiction.

“The strong political and public support for this legislation - including from young people - can’t be ignored. Tobacco is a toxic product that deserves no place in our future, and I urge Parliamentarians to prioritise passing this law that will phase out the legal sale of tobacco. Alongside vital support to help people quit smoking, this Bill will help to ensure that millions of young people grow up in a smoke-free environment."

ENDS

Contact: press@ash.org.uk

Notes to editors

Source: ASH Smokefree GB youth survey data (age 11-17, sample size 2025=2,746, with 151 who smoke). Full survey covers ages 11-18. Surveys were conducted online using the YouGov panel and are sampled and weighted to be representative all GB youth.
Number of children based on the mid-year population estimates from the ONS (available here).

References

[1] Davies NP, Murray RL, Langley T, Morling JR, Bains M. Perceptions of children and young people in England on the smokefree generation policy: a focus group study. Nicotine Tob Res. 2025 Jun;27(6).

[2] Birge M, Duffy S, Miler JA, Hajek P. What proportion of people who try one cigarette become daily smokers? A meta-analysis of representative surveys. Nicotine and Tobacco Research. 2018 Nov 15;20(12):1427-33.

[3] DiFranza, J., Rigotti, N., McNeill, A., Ockene, J., Savageau, J., Cyr, D. and Coleman, M. (2000). Initial symptoms of nicotine dependence in adolescents.

[4] Seddon C. Breaking the Breaking the cycle of children’s exposure to tobacco smoke. British Medical Association. 2007

[5] Hu T, Gall SL, Widome R, Bazzano LA, Burns TL, Daniels SR, et al. Childhood/adolescent smoking and adult smoking and cessation: The International Childhood Cardiovascular Cohort (i3C) Consortium. J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Apr 8;9(7):e014381.