Smoking keeps appeal for young generation
The number of teenage smokers in Switzerland is on the increase according to a survey by the Federal Health Office.
A study published on Monday found that 24 per cent of adolescents interviewed said they are smokers, up two per cent on 2009.
Tobacco consumption, mainly cigarettes, is most popular among the age group of the 20 to 24-year olds.
The overall number of smokers has been stagnating at 27 per cent over the past three years, despite continuing prevention campaigns.
The Federal Health Office aims to reduce the rate to 23 per cent by next year compared with 33 per cent in 2001.
The survey carried out in 2010 among more than 10,000 people aged 14 to 65 was funded by the tobacco prevention fund.
A nationwide smoking ban in public spaces such as official buildings, restaurants, bars, schools and cinemas came into effect in May 2010.
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