Why Teens Start Smoking
NYC’s Sensible Tobacco Enforcement Law is in full effect. Now, licensed tobacco vendors may not sell cigarettes to anyone under 21 years of age; cigars under $3 must be sold in packages of at least four; and those found selling tobacco products illegally will face up to a $2,000 fine.
With new laws enacted in 2002, New Yorkers who smoked dropped from 21% to 15% as of 2011. Yet, over the last four years, smoking among youth remained the same. The new legislation is a response to this finding—a way to prevent young New Yorkers from becoming smokers. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in NYC and this law aims to end this harmful trend.
Why would teens smoke and where do they get their cigarettes from? The answers are surprising. Fifty percent of 8th graders and 71% of 10th graders say cigarettes are easy to get. Some buy them directly from retailers. Some ask older siblings or other young adults to buy a pack for them and many teens get cigarettes for free from their friends.



















