Smoking - Aboriginal factsheet for young people

​Key health messages

Smoking harms both you and those around you.

Cigarette smoke contains over 7000 chemicals, many of which can cause cancer and other illnesses.

Quitting can be hard, but there is help available. 

Last updated: 05 September 2024
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​​​​​​​What's in cigarettes?

Cigarettes (also called smokes, chop-chop and ciggys) are made from dried tobacco plant leaves, but cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals like arsenic and ammonia, are harmful to your body and health.​

Do many young Aboriginal people smoke?

The 2018-19 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey found that 10% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people between 15 and 17 smoked daily. 

This has been falling for the last 20 years but is still higher than the smoking rate for non-Aboriginal young people. Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (85%) between 15- 17 years have never smoked, which helps them to lead long and healthy lives.

​Why do young people start smoking cigarettes?​

Young people smoke for many reasons, such as:

  • to cope with stress
  • to fit in to look cool
  • people around them smoke, which makes it seem normal.

What can happen to you if you smoke?

Nicotine is the main addictive drug in tobacco. When nicotine reaches your brain, it causes the release of dopamine – a chemical that makes you feel good for a short time. Over time, nicotine changes how your brain works and causes cravings for more nicotine. Young people have a greater chance of addiction as their brain is still developing.

You’ll also be harming those around you when you smoke. By choosing not to smoke, you can set an example for your family and friends. Smoking is also expensive.​


What does the law say?

It is illegal for anyone to offer or sell tobacco products to those under 18. In NSW, smoking is not allowed in many enclosed public places, such as cinemas. It is also banned in some outdoor spaces like bus stops. If you smoke in these spaces, you can be fined up to $300, given a warning or formal caution.

Short term effects

​There are many short term health effects of smoking including:

  • bad breath
  • stained teeth and fingers
  • fatigue and reduced energy
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • blood pressure and heart rate increase

Long term effects

There are many long term health effects of smoking including:

  • Lung diseases
  • cancer e.g. stomach or in other areas of the body
  • cardiovascular disease such as heart disease
  • stroke
  • respiratory diseases
  • diabetes
  • gum disease
  • losing your sight
  • premature aging
  • poor physical fitness
    ​

True or false?

  • Rolling my own cigarettes is safer than using store bought cigarettes - False, smoking tobacco is harmful no matter how you do it. Hand rolled cigarettes are just as harmful as store bought cigarettes. 
  • Most people ​I know smoke, and I've already started... it's too late for me - False, even if you've been smoking for years, it's never too late to quit. The effects of quitting can be felt as soon as one week after quitting.
  • I only smoke every now and then which isn't harmful 
    False, there is no safe level of smoking. Nicotine is very addictive and the more you smoke, the greater the chance of harm.  ​

Where can I get help to quit?

  • Have a yarn with your doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker
  • Call Quitline on 13 7848 - a free and confidential phone service (you can ask to speak to an Aboriginal counsellor if you wish).
  • ICanQuit - visit  to create your own quit plan.
  • QuitTxt  - They can send you messages to stay on track.​

Where can I find more information?



Acknowledgement: The factsheet was co-designed with Aboriginal young people and developed in consultation with The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use.​

Current as at: Thursday 5 September 2024
Contact page owner: Centre for Population Health