Despite the overall success in recent decades of bringing down the smoking rate in Canada, the prevalence of smoking among young adults aged 20-24 remains higher than any other age demographic. Addressing tobacco use at the post-secondary level is critical–20% of Canadian young adults try their first cigarette after the age of 18, and the vast majority who smoke become addicted regular smokers after that age.
Moreover, Canadian data indicate that in addition to 23% of young adults being identified as current smokers, another 20% are in a dangerously susceptible “experimental puffer” category. Post-secondary students are the youngest legal targets of tobacco marketing, and tobacco of all forms remains the most widely used lethal substance on campus, affecting both smokers and non-smokers.
Hard copies of the Tobacco-Free Campus Guide are available upon request. Please contact us for details.
