• NHS Trusts reveal that over 6,000 nicotine addiction treatments have been prescribed to treat children’s addiction to smoking in just three years
  
• Smoking is one of the most common causes of house fires in the UK

New research from Churchill Home Insurance¹ reveals the NHS is having to treat thousands of children for being addicted to smoking. Last year 1,710 children were given anti-smoking treatments on the NHS, although with less than a third of trusts reporting their figures, the true scale of the problem could be much greater. The study discovered at least 428 children aged under 15 were given NHS treatments last year to help stop them smoking, including minors aged under 12 years old.

The insurer is highlighting the fire risk that is associated with smoking, as one in seven² (14 per cent) parents admit to allowing their child to smoke or vape under the age of 18 in the family home. Smoking remains one of the most common causes of house fires in the UK, while chargers linked to vaping equipment pose an additional risk as they can overheat and explode. Churchill is encouraging parents to be vigilant and ensure they have safety measures in place to protect their family and home from harm. 

More than 6,000 nicotine replacement and addiction treatments have been prescribed by the NHS over the last three years to help children stop smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy is the preferred method of treating this addiction, accounting for almost all (97 per cent) of prescription treatments prescribed. The research also revealed children are being recommended e-cigarettes on the NHS as another method to help treat an addiction to smoking. 

Almost one in 10 (eight per cent) parents with children aged 12-17 years old say they know their offspring smoke, with a further five per cent suspecting they do. Vaping and e-cigarettes are also being used by many children, with one in 20 (six per cent) parents saying their child aged 12-17 vapes and five per cent saying they suspect their child does. 

Research shows some parents are facilitating the smoking and vaping habits of their children.  Almost half a million parents have even given their underaged child money to buy cigarettes or e-cigarettes. The impact of a parent smoking also has a big implication of the likelihood of their child taking up the habit too, as almost a quarter (23 per cent) of those whose children smoke say because they light up they do not feel they can tell their kids not to³. 

In a quarter of cases (27 per cent), children are allowed to smoke or vape under the age of 18 because their parents believe they are old enough to make their own decisions. Despite extensive public health campaigns about smoking, 13 per cent of parents whose children smoke do not have an issue with it.  More than one in 20 (six per cent) parents whose child vapes, or smokes, says they allow them to because their child respects them more, or because they think it makes them a cool parent.

Craig Rixon, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “Most accidental home fires that result in fatalities are smoking related and with young children lighting up in the home these risks are likely increased enormously. Even e-cigarettes and vapes pose a risk as plenty of fires have been linked to chargers for these products overheating and exploding. We would urge parents to remain vigilant and to ensure their children and homes are as safe as possible. Simple measures, such as fitting smoke detectors, could help save a life.” 

Talya Stone, Founder of UK parenting blog, Motherhood: The Real Deal, said: “The research emphasises how tough it can be as a parent and it is impossible to know where your child is at all times and what they are up to, especially when they become teenagers. Educating children from a young age about smoking, vaping and the potential health dangers and fire risks is crucial so they have all the information to make informed decisions. 

“Parents should open up the conversation about smoking and vaping from a young age and keep the lines of communication open so children feel comfortable to raise the subject whenever they are curious.”

For more information on Churchill Home Insurance please visit https://www.churchill.com/home-insurance

ENDS

                                                                                                                   

Notes to Editor

 

¹       FOI request issued to NHS trusts across the UK on 6^th February 2019. 32% of Trusts responded to the request

²          Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults, of which 235 had children aged 12-17, between 1st-4th March 2019 

³          Please note due to the base size of respondents, figures regarding the reasons children are allowed to smoke or vape are indicative only

 

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler
PR HOME Manager

Tel: 01651 832 095

Email: [email protected]

Nick Andrews

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

[email protected]

0207 282 1050

 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com