Who’s Paying the Price? The Hazards of Tobacco on Youth Health- By Kush Bhardwaj (Intern with PRAN)

By Kush Bhardwaj

An intern at Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation | Student, Amity University Noida

This report was researched and written by a PRAN Virtual Internship Programme intern.  See how you can do work like this too →

Across India, a new generation is being targeted by an old industry. From flavored vapes to trendy packaging, tobacco is being sold as a lifestyle — but the cost is paid in damaged lungs, weakened hearts, and stolen futures. Every year, thousands of young lives are cut short, while many more live with illnesses that could have been prevented. This is not a personal choice — it is a public health emergency. Our youth deserve clean air, honest information, and a tobacco-free future.

India is home to the world’s largest adolescent population, with more than 250 million young people between the ages of 10 and 19. Their health and well-being will determine the nation’s future. Yet, despite decades of public health campaigns, tobacco continues to find new users among teenagers and young adults. What was once associated primarily with cigarettes has evolved into a broader range of products including bidis, chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, hookah, and increasingly, electronic nicotine products marketed through social media.

As a biotechnology student and an intern working with the Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation, I have come to realize that tobacco use is not merely an individual lifestyle choice. It is a preventable public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people, particularly those exposed to tobacco products near educational institutions or influenced by peer pressure and aggressive marketing.

This report aims to understand the extent of tobacco use among youth, with a special focus on Haryana and Delhi, while examining the effectiveness of current laws and identifying practical measures that can create lasting change.

Early Exposure. Lifelong Consequences.

The earlier a young mind is exposed to tobacco, the higher the risk of addiction and chronic disease later in life. Nicotine affects brain development, leading to impaired focus, memory, and emotional well-being. This is not just a habit — it’s a hijacking of potential.

The National Picture: According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016–17), approximately 28.6% of Indian adults use tobacco in some form. Although this survey primarily measures adult consumption, research consistently shows that the majority of tobacco users begin before the age of 21. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4 India, 2019) reported that nearly 8.5% of students aged 13–15 years currently use some form of tobacco. Even more concerning is the widespread exposure to second-hand smoke, tobacco advertisements, and retail outlets located close to schools.

Why Young People Start Using Tobacco

Most teenagers do not begin using tobacco because they fully understand its consequences. Instead, several social and environmental factors influence their decisions. Common contributing factors include:

• Peer pressure and the desire to fit in.
• Stress related to academics and examinations.
• Curiosity and experimentation.
• Attractive product packaging and flavouring.
• Influence of movies, online content, and social media.
• Easy availability near schools despite legal restrictions.
• Misconceptions that occasional smoking is harmless.

Health Consequences Beyond the Lungs

Tobacco harms more than the lungs. It weakens the heart, damages blood vessels, reduces immunity, and increases the risk of cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. For youth, it can mean stunted growth, poor stamina, and a life of avoidable health battles. Regular tobacco consumption increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, oral/throat cancers, COPD, and reduced cognitive performance.

The Law Already Exists

India has established comprehensive tobacco control legislation through the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Provisions include the prohibition of sales to those under 18, a ban on sales within 100 yards of schools, mandatory health warnings, and advertising restrictions. However, the challenge today is not the absence of legislation — it is inconsistent implementation.

Recommendations for Stronger Tobacco Control

Addressing youth tobacco use requires coordinated action involving government, educational institutions, and communities. Recommendations include:

• Strengthen enforcement: Conduct regular inspections around schools and strictly enforce the 100-yard prohibition.
• Expand school education: Integrate scientifically accurate tobacco education into school curricula.
• Support cessation: Improve access to counselling and youth-friendly tobacco cessation clinics.
• Regulate marketing: Monitor indirect advertising through social media and prevent promotional activities targeting adolescents.
• Community participation: Encourage students to report illegal tobacco sales and establish school health committees.

How Can You Help?

Change begins with one informed decision. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Speak Up: Report illegal tobacco sales near schools and colleges.
2. Spread Awareness: Share facts, not myths, about tobacco and nicotine.
3. 
   Support Others: Encourage friends and family to quit without judgment.
4. Lead by Example: Choose a tobacco-free lifestyle and inspire those around you.
5. Get Involved: Volunteer for awareness campaigns and community initiatives.
6. Join Our Mission: If you are a student or professional passionate about public policy and community health, we invite you to join the PRAN Virtual Internship Programme to help shape healthier communities.

About the Author & Internship
PRAN Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to creating healthier and more informed communities. My internship with the Policy Research Action Network (PRAN) Foundation gave me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful social initiatives.

My internship and work at PRAN (4 June 2026 – 24 June 2026):

• Conducted surveys of shopkeepers across Rohtak to understand tobacco availability and consumption patterns.
• Interacted with children living in slum communities to educate them about the health hazards of tobacco.
• Participated in community awareness campaigns encouraging tobacco-free lifestyles.

A tobacco-free generation won’t happen by chance — it will happen because people like you choose to take action.

By Kush
[ An intern at PRAN Foundation | Student at Amity University, Noida ]