The World Health Organization urges governments to protect young people from addiction to tobacco and nicotine products. At least 40 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco products worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments to protect young people from addiction to tobacco and nicotine products. At least 40 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco products worldwide, and the use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among young people continues to rise.

Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Tobacco and nicotine companies are deliberately engineering their products to make them more appealing, easier to use, and harder to quit, particularly for adolescents and young people. Nicotine is highly addictive and harmful, especially at high concentrations, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults whose brains are still developing.

Government Action

Governments can protect people by banning flavored products, banning advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, making indoor public places completely smoke- and vape-free, and stepping up enforcement. The city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has emerged as a leading example of local action to counter the use of nicotine and protect young people from addiction.

Key points

• At least 40 million children aged 13–15 use tobacco products worldwide.
• The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among young people continues to rise.
• Tobacco and nicotine companies are engineering products to be more appealing to young people.
• Nicotine is highly addictive and harmful, especially for children and adolescents.
• About 160 countries still have no specific regulations in place for nicotine pouches.
• Tobacco use kills more than 7 million people every year.