Türkiye's Health Ministry has launched specialized quit-smoking clinics for children and adolescents, offering tailored treatment and counseling for those aged 12 to 18 as part of a nationwide effort to curb youth tobacco addiction.
The newly established Adolescent Quit-Smoking Clinics are designed to address the biological, psychological and social needs of teenagers, who health authorities say are increasingly vulnerable to nicotine addiction due to peer pressure, social media influence and easier access to new-generation nicotine products, including e-cigarettes.
According to the ministry, nicotine exposure during adolescence can negatively affect brain development, impairing attention, learning, memory and impulse control. Early tobacco use also raises the risk of alcohol and other substance addictions later in life.
Officials said treating adolescent nicotine dependence requires a multidisciplinary approach that extends beyond conventional smoking cessation services. The clinics provide evidence-based counseling and treatment while coordinating care, when necessary, with child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other specialists.
The initiative aims to help young people quit tobacco use before nicotine dependence becomes chronic, reduce the long-term health burden linked to smoking and contribute to raising healthier generations.
