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Change in law linked to fallling teenage smoking rates. |
Research from University College London has shown that a change in the law in England, Wales and Scotland is associated with fewer teenagers smoking.
On 1 October 2007 the legal age of sale of cigarettes in England, Wales and Scotland was increased from 16 years to age 18 years. Prior to the change in legislation the prevalence of smoking in people aged 16 and 17 was 23.7%. After the change in the law the prevalence in this age group fell to 16.6%. Falls in smoking rates were observed in all age groups but were substantially greater in the 16 and 17 years old group suggesting that the change in the legal age of sale of cigarettes affected behaviour rather than other influences.
Link to research paper : CLICK HERE |
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