This is how Türkiye wants to curb teen smoking

Türkiye’s Health Ministry has opened specialised clinics to help teenagers quit smoking and prevent nicotine addiction at an early age.

Health experts warn that adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period for developing addictive behaviours due to factors including curiosity, peer pressure, social media influence, misconceptions about health risks and easier access to new-generation nicotine products.

Nicotine exposure during childhood and adolescence can negatively affect brain development, potentially causing long-term problems with attention, learning, memory and impulse control.

Early tobacco use also increases the likelihood of developing alcohol and other substance addictions later in life.

The Health Ministry’s Adolescent Smoking Cessation Clinics aim to provide young people with assessment, counselling and treatment tailored to their biological, psychological and social needs.

The clinics offer evidence-based support while working with child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other specialists when necessary.

Health officials say early intervention is essential not only to prevent tobacco use but also to stop nicotine dependence from becoming a long-term addiction and reduce future health risks.

Clinics to expand nationwide

The new clinics began operating in June 2026 and currently provide services at seven centres in Agri, Ankara, Bursa, Canakkale, Corum and Kutahya.