TEENAGERS are more likely to smoke in Southampton and Hampshire than in other parts of the country, new figures have revealed.

A report published today shows how both areas have a higher than average smoking rate among fifteen year olds.

Commissioned by Public Health England (PHE) and NICE, and modelled by the University of Southampton and the University of Portsmouth, the figures are estimates of youth smoking rates for every authority, ward and local NHS level in England - based on factors known to predict young people smoking.

The model estimates a 15 per cent smoking rate among 15 year-olds in Southampton, and a 14 per cent rate across Hampshire overall, much higher than the national average of 12.7 per cent.

It is hoped by publishing the figures it will focus the minds of local health bosses on tackling the problem.

Professor Graham Moon of the University of Southampton, said: “By having a snapshot of their communities, local organisations are best placed to take action so future generations no longer suffer the devastating and preventable harm caused by tobacco.

"If we can stop young people starting smoking before the age of 19 then they stand the best chance of enjoying the health, social and financial benefits of a smoke free life.”

Public Health England's ambition is to reduce smoking rates among young people to secure a tobacco-free generation.

Dr Liz Twigg of the University of Portsmouth said: “We know with some certainty which factors increase the likelihood of young people starting to smoke - ethnicity, social class and parental behaviour all play a role.

"For the first time we can combine these factors, national surveys of youth smoking data and what we know about local communities to identify areas where young people are likely to have a higher risk of being a smoker.”

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Areas of north-east England came out as among the worst areas in the country for smoking rates among young people. Hartlepool (15.87%), Gateshead (15.92%), Plymouth (15.93%), South Tyneside (16.27%) and Kingston upon Hull (16.68%) have been identified as having the highest rates of youth smoking.

Areas with the lower estimates were concentrated in Greater London, including Harrow (5.15%), Newham (5.37%), Redbridge (5.68%) and Brent (5.70%).

Professor Gillian Leng, Nice deputy chief executive, said: ''Nine out of 10 smokers started by the age of 18. We must do more to prevent our children and young people from using tobacco products, or we will see tens of thousands of them suffer and die prematurely as adults.

''Fully implementing proven tobacco control interventions would help keep our children and young people from falling victim to tobacco.''

No comment from either Southampton City Council or Hampshire County Council has yet been provided.

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