Youth Cessation Evidence: What Actually Helps Young People Quit
The evidence on youth nicotine cessation is thin—because the research has been underfunded. What evidence exists suggests that digital interventions, peer support, and harm reduction approaches are more effective than abstinence-only programs.
Youth nicotine cessation is underresearched—the trials are small, the follow-up is short, and the evidence base is thin. What evidence exists: digital interventions (apps, text programs) show promise. Peer support (trained youth counselors) is effective. Harm reduction approaches (switching from smoking to vaping, reducing nicotine concentration) engage young people who reject abstinence-only messaging. **The evidence on youth cessation is emerging. The funding to develop it is minimal. The young people who want to quit are waiting for the evidence to catch up.**
