Approximately 12% of 11-year old boys and 11% of girls admit to smoking in Malta. For 13 year olds, there is a smoking rate of 11% for boys and 13% for girls, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate said today.

"Tobacco use is still an important public health challenge in Malta. The percentage of young adults who smoke at least once a week, at the age of 15 years is still worrisome.

"It is known that the duration of smoking influences smoking-related health problems and that only a small number of adolescents who try to quit smoking succeed. Most smokers take up the behaviour before the age of 25 years."

The directorate made its comments as it announced a social media campaign to stress prevention, protection from passive smoking and support available for smokers to quit: #quittobacco.

Today is the World Health Organisation's  No Tobacco Day.

The directorate provides free counselling services for persons who want to quit smoking. These sessions are available every Wednesday evening at Floriana and Mosta Health Centre.

Smoking cessation programmes are also provided for employees at the place of work.  

More information on telephone 23266000 or health.pro@gov.mt.