What is the approximate average age at which tobacco use begins?

What is the approximate average age at which tobacco use begins?

• A. 12
• B. 13
• C. 14
• D. 15

Answer: (C)

Initiation of tobacco use happens most often in early adolescence, when peer influence and experimentation are strongest. Across studies, the average age of first trying tobacco is about 14 years old, which sits at the center of the typical initiation window (some start around 12–13, others around 15–16). So 14 best represents the approximate average age. Understanding this helps target prevention efforts to middle school years and early high school, where risk of starting tobacco is highest. The other ages describe earlier or later points in the range, but do not reflect the central tendency as well.

Initiation of tobacco use happens most often in early adolescence, when peer influence and experimentation are strongest. Across studies, the average age of first trying tobacco is about 14 years old, which sits at the center of the typical initiation window (some start around 12–13, others around 15–16). So 14 best represents the approximate average age. Understanding this helps target prevention efforts to middle school years and early high school, where risk of starting tobacco is highest. The other ages describe earlier or later points in the range, but do not reflect the central tendency as well.