The number of children aged between 10 and 17 who smoke in Ireland has dropped significantly in recent years, however around one in 10 in this age group are still current smokers, the HSE has said.

It carried out a special analysis of a major 2014 study, which looked at the health behaviour of school-aged children. The findings show that the number of those aged between 10 and 17 who smoke in Ireland fell from 23% in 1998 to 8% in 2014.

The analysis also found that children and teenagers who smoke are over three times more likely to report poor or only fair health compared to their peers who do not smoke.

"Children and young people who smoke reported a range of health complaints including irritability, difficulties sleeping, headaches, stomach aches and feeling nervous. These are well known symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

"Children and young people believe that damage to their health is a long way off in the future and expect to give up before any health damage occurs, but we can see that they are already experiencing poorer health," explained public health specialist, Dr Paul Kavanagh, who is an advisor to the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme.

He noted that smokers, including young smokers, tend to overestimate their ability to quit the habit before their health is harmed. However, the reality is that one in two smokers will die from a smoking-related illness.

"One of the most important things we can do to protect the future health of our children and young people is to create an Ireland that is tobacco free. They learn from what they see in the world around them. We all have a role to play in this whether as parents, educators, role models in our community, or by the example we set to young people.

"One of the ways we can do this is by making smoking something which is not a normal part of everyday life and limiting the exposure of young people to smoking," Dr Kavanagh said.

The research has shown that children living in families where smoking is allowed are three times more likely to smoke themselves compared to children from non-smoking homes.

Furthermore, according to Martina Blake, Tobacco Free Ireland lead with the HSE, exposure to secondhand (passive) smoke is a 'serious health hazard'.

"It is a known class A carcinogen. Children's bodies are still developing which makes them very vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke. In particular, children's respiratory rate is higher than that of an adult, therefore they typically take more breaths per minute than the average adult and are at higher risk," she said.

She pointed out that smoking in cars is of particular concern because secondhand smoke levels can be extremely high as it is an enclosed space. She also warned that opening windows does not reduce this risk.

"As well as the significant health risks to children from secondhand smoke, research shows that children growing up in a home where they witness the adults in their lives smoking regularly are more likely to become regular smokers themselves.

"If you are a parent who smokes, one of the best things you can do for your own health and the health of your children is to quit. We hear from people who want to stop smoking that concern for their children is a key reason for wanting to make a change," Ms Blake explained.

She acknowledged that quitting can be very difficult and urged people to contact the HSE QUIT team for advice and support.

The HSE was highlighting this issue to mark World No Tobacco Day (May 31). Also marking the day, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation jointly called on the Government to increase their efforts to help smokers quit.

"There are currently 770,000 people smoking in Ireland and most of them want to quit. In fact, four in 10 smokers have made an attempt to quit in the last 12 months. The Government must do more to help them and follow-through on its commitment in ‘Tobacco Free Ireland' that only 5% of the population will smoke by 2025.

"The Department of Health published a detailed action plan on how to reach this target, but now it needs to be resourced and fully implemented to retain Ireland's position as a global leader in tobacco control," commented the Irish Cancer Society's CEO, Averil Power.

Meanwhile, according to Dr Patrick Doorley, chairperson of ASH Ireland, Council of the Irish Heart Foundation, in 2017, smoking cost the State €1.6 billion, however just €11 million was spent on smoking cessation measures.

"Greater resources need to be invested in smoking cessation services if we are to meet the Government's own targets," he said.

To contact the HSE QUIT team, click here or call 1800 201 203.