Trends in Age of Initiation Data Visual

Trends in age of initiation of smoking and drinking alcohol 1998-2018

Age of first cigarette
Children were asked at what age they first smoked a cigarette (more than a puff ). The response options ranged from ‘never’ to ‘16 years or older’. The percentage of 15-17 year olds who reported ever smoking and having smoked their first cigarette aged 11 or younger, 13 or younger and 15 or younger are presented in this visual.

Age of first alcoholic drink
Children who ever had an alcoholic drink were asked how old they were the first time they had a drink. Those aged 15-17 years were classified into those that had their first alcoholic drink at or before age 11, at or before age 13 and at or before age 15.

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