Why smoking is back in fashion for Generation Z and a Rishi ban could make it even cooler

The article "As MPs vote on Rishi Sunak’s smoking ban for Generation Alpha, could it backfire and make it the cool thing to do?" explores the potential consequences of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's proposed smoking ban for Generation Alpha. Rachel Richardson, the author, investigates whether such a ban could inadvertently glamorize smoking and make it more appealing to young people. Richardson suggests that it might be too late to prevent a resurgence of smoking, as there is already evidence of a new generation embracing nicotine and even making cigarettes fashionable again. The article raises questions about the effectiveness of legislative measures in curbing smoking rates among young people and highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address this public health concern.

The article recounts Sam Thompson's experience after enduring 23 days of deprivation in the I'm a Celebrity jungle. Upon emerging from the challenging environment, Thompson's immediate craving was not for food or creature comforts, but for a cigarette. This highlights the powerful hold that nicotine addiction can have on individuals, even in the face of extreme circumstances. The anecdote serves as a reminder of the addictive nature of smoking and the challenges many people face in quitting or abstaining from tobacco use.

The article highlights the prevalence of smoking among young celebrities, citing examples such as Sam Thompson from "Made in Chelsea," Jeremy Allen White from "The Bear," pop star Rosalía, actor Paul Mescal, and TikToker Victoria Paris. It notes that smoking has become a fashionable habit among these individuals and is gaining popularity among Generation Z. The mention of characters frequently smoking in popular shows like "Griselda" on Netflix further emphasizes the normalization of smoking in contemporary culture. Despite increased awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, the article suggests that smoking is experiencing a resurgence, particularly among young people.

The pandemic appears to have had a concerning impact on smoking rates among young people in England, as indicated by a recent study from University College London (UCL). Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, there had been a steady decline in smoking rates among 18- to 24-year-olds, with the overall number of smokers decreasing by 5.2 percent annually. However, since 2020, this decline has slowed dramatically, with the rate of decrease now at just 0.3 percent per year.

The story of Mace Warner, a 24-year-old who began smoking three years ago and now smokes 10 cigarettes a day, sheds light on some of the factors contributing to this trend. Warner attributes his initiation into smoking to the workplace culture at his retail job, where smokers are granted a five-minute cigarette break every hour, while non-smokers receive no such allowance. This discrepancy in treatment, he explains, played a significant role in his decision to take up smoking.

Warner's experience underscores the influence of social and environmental factors on smoking behavior, particularly among young adults. The normalization of smoking breaks in certain work environments, coupled with potential stressors associated with the pandemic, may have contributed to the uptake of smoking among individuals like Warner. As efforts to combat smoking continue, it is crucial to address these underlying factors and implement policies that promote smoke-free workplaces and support smoking cessation among young people.

Mace, hailing from Lincoln, initially experimented with vaping before transitioning to smoking Sovereign cigarettes. Reflecting on his experience, he noted that vaping posed a challenge as he could continue using it indefinitely without a clear endpoint. Ultimately, he opted for cigarettes because he appreciated the definitive conclusion they offered. This shift underscores the allure of traditional cigarettes for some individuals, who may prefer the tangible and finite nature of smoking over the seemingly endless consumption associated with vaping.

The UCL researchers suggest that heightened levels of stress and social isolation during the pandemic likely drove young people like Mace to turn to cigarettes. Mace himself acknowledges that cigarettes help him unwind, particularly at work, providing a moment of respite amidst a busy day. This sentiment reflects a common rationale among smokers, who often cite the calming effects of smoking as a coping mechanism for stress.

Lucie Greene, a trend forecaster and founder of the Light Years consultancy, echoes this perspective, noting that smoking can be viewed as a form of mindfulness and a meditative ritual. She observes a shift among Gen Z away from alcohol, which can exacerbate anxiety, towards smoking as a means of managing mental health.

These insights underscore the multifaceted role that smoking plays in individuals' lives, serving not only as a stress reliever but also as a ritualistic practice with perceived benefits for mental well-being. As smoking rates rise among young people, it is essential to address the underlying stressors driving this trend and explore alternative strategies for coping with mental health challenges.

Do Gen Z feel nostalgic for the Nineties when it felt like everyone smoked? (Getty)

Lucie Greene also suggests that the current nostalgia for Nineties culture and Gen Z's desire to make up for lost time during lockdown are contributing factors to the resurgence in smoking. She notes a broader trend of hedonism post-pandemic, driving interest not only in smoking but also in nightclubs and partying.

For Mace, however, the social aspect of smoking is a significant draw. He emphasizes that smoking provides opportunities to interact with others, as asking for a cigarette or a lighter often leads to conversations with people he might not have spoken to otherwise. This aspect of social connection underscores the role that smoking can play in facilitating interpersonal interactions and fostering a sense of community, particularly among young adults.

Mace holds the view that smoking is not inherently "cool," but acknowledges that some of his fellow smokers may find it appealing due to its taboo nature. Despite recognizing the dangers of smoking and its potentially fatal consequences, he adopts a fatalistic perspective common among Gen Z individuals, particularly those under 26. Lucie Greene suggests that this fatalism stems from the challenges and uncertainties faced by this generation, including economic instability and environmental concerns.

In terms of potential solutions to reverse the rise in smoking rates, Mace emphasizes the importance of considering the cost of cigarettes. He reveals that he spends £45 per week on three packs of cigarettes, and suggests that a significant increase in the price of cigarettes could prompt him to cut down on his smoking habits.

This insight underscores the impact of economic factors on smoking behavior and highlights the potential effectiveness of price interventions in tobacco control efforts. By making cigarettes less affordable, policymakers can create financial incentives for smokers to reduce their consumption or quit altogether, ultimately contributing to public health goals.

The decline in smoking rates in the United Kingdom traces back to the 1970s, with significant progress observed in recent years. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), last year saw the lowest proportion of smokers in the population since records began in 2011, with 6.4 million British adults reporting smoking.

This decline can be attributed to a range of public health initiatives aimed at curbing smoking prevalence. These include the banning of TV advertisements for tobacco products in 1965, the implementation of high sales taxes on cigarettes in the 1980s, and the introduction of smoking bans in public places in the late 2000s. Additionally, since 2012, it has been illegal to display tobacco products in shops, and in 2017, cigarettes could only be sold in plain packaging.

These measures reflect a concerted effort by policymakers and public health authorities to deter smoking and protect public health. By restricting advertising, increasing taxes, implementing smoking bans, and regulating packaging, these initiatives have played a crucial role in reducing smoking rates and promoting smoke-free environments. However, despite these achievements, challenges remain, as evidenced by recent trends suggesting a potential reversal in the decline in smoking rates, particularly among young people. Continued efforts and innovative strategies are needed to address these challenges and achieve further progress in tobacco control.

Before the release of the new research, the UK government had already taken steps to propose stricter regulations on tobacco sales. In last year's King's Speech, the government outlined its ambition for a "smoke-free generation" by introducing legislation to ban the sale of tobacco products entirely. Under the proposed legislation, there would be a gradual phase-out of tobacco sales, ultimately resulting in children who are currently 14 years old or younger being unable to purchase cigarettes in England at any age.

This proposed measure reflects a bold approach to tobacco control, aiming to prevent future generations from taking up smoking and ultimately reducing smoking-related harm. By prohibiting the sale of tobacco products altogether, the government seeks to create a tobacco-free environment that protects public health and promotes healthier lifestyles. If implemented, this legislation could represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat smoking and its associated health risks in the UK.

Dr. Sarah Jackson, the lead author of the UCL report, supports the government's focus on smoking prevention and suggests that distributing a million e-cigarettes could potentially help reverse the trend. She emphasizes that while smoking is highly lethal, the risks associated with vaping are significantly lower. However, concerns have been raised about vaping potentially serving as a gateway to smoking, particularly among young people who have never smoked before.

In Mace's case, vaping initially led him to start smoking cigarettes, highlighting the complex relationship between vaping and smoking initiation. Other doctors share concerns that vaping could indeed act as a gateway to smoking, leading to addiction among young people who were previously non-smokers. Dr. Michael Blaha, a professor of medicine, warns that the widespread use of electronic cigarettes among young people could inadvertently contribute to a future smoking epidemic.

These perspectives underscore the importance of carefully considering the potential public health implications of vaping, particularly its impact on youth initiation and smoking behavior. While vaping may offer harm reduction benefits for current smokers, efforts to prevent vaping from serving as a gateway to smoking among young people are essential to safeguarding public health and combating the tobacco epidemic.

Jane Edwards, a mother of two, shares her concern after witnessing her teenage son transition from vaping to cigarette smoking. She describes how her eldest son, aged 19, initially chain vaped before progressing to smoking traditional cigarettes. Edwards worries that her younger son, aged 16, may follow a similar path, as he also frequently vapes in his room while doing homework. She expresses concerns about the potential health impacts of vaping on young lungs, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the chemicals in vaping products.

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that approximately 4.5 million Britons vape, with the practice being most popular among 16- to 24-year-olds. The data indicates a notable increase in vaping prevalence among this age group, with over 15 percent reporting daily or occasional vaping last year, up from 11 percent the previous year.

These findings underscore the growing popularity of vaping among young people in the UK and raise concerns about its potential role in facilitating nicotine addiction and subsequent smoking initiation. As vaping continues to gain traction among youth, efforts to address the associated risks and prevent vaping-related harm remain imperative in safeguarding public health.

Oral nicotine pouches, commonly known as "snus," have experienced a significant surge in popularity recently. These pouches, which are placed under the top lip for a short duration (usually between five to 10 minutes), do not contain tobacco but are instead packed with nicotine. Originating from Sweden, brands such as Nordic Spirit, Velo, and ZYN have gained prominence in the market.

However, the increasing use of nicotine pouches has come under scrutiny, particularly after reports emerged of Premier League footballers using them. According to The Athletic website, up to 40 percent of players could be regular users of nicotine pouches. England and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy openly admitted to using "snus" in his autobiography.

The growing popularity of nicotine pouches among athletes and young people raises concerns about nicotine addiction and potential health risks associated with their use. While these pouches may offer an alternative to traditional tobacco products, their widespread adoption warrants further examination of their impact on public health and regulation to mitigate potential harms.

The simultaneous rise in cigarette smoking and the use of replacement products such as vapes and "snus" poses significant challenges and potential setbacks in the progress made in tobacco control efforts. This trend could have major implications for the nation's health and place additional strain on the National Health Service (NHS).

According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), smoking remains the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death in England, contributing to approximately 74,600 deaths each year. The resurgence in smoking rates and the increasing popularity of alternative nicotine products threaten to exacerbate the already substantial burden of smoking-related diseases on public health systems like the NHS.

Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies that target both traditional tobacco products and emerging nicotine delivery systems. Efforts to prevent smoking initiation among young people, promote smoking cessation among current smokers, and regulate the marketing and availability of tobacco and nicotine products are essential to safeguarding public health and reducing the impact of smoking-related illnesses on society.

Lucie highlights the challenge of reversing the surge in smoking rates among young people, especially if influential celebrities continue to portray smoking positively. She points out that many Gen Z celebrities, such as Lily-Rose Depp, are often seen smoking, both on and off-screen. This portrayal of smoking in media and popular culture can contribute to normalizing and glamorizing the habit among young audiences.

Lucie suggests that for many young people, smoking may be perceived as a fleeting and cerebral indulgence rather than a habit they intend to become addicted to. However, she acknowledges the risk of underestimating the addictive nature of smoking, drawing parallels with previous generations like Generation X, who may have had similar perceptions before becoming regular smokers.

This observation underscores the importance of addressing the influence of celebrity culture and media representation on smoking behavior among young people. Efforts to counteract glamorization and promote accurate information about the risks of smoking are essential in preventing the uptake of smoking and reducing tobacco-related harm among future generations.

Source: independent