Connie the Clever Cockie presents: Evidence in Brief – Protective Factors for Never Smoking among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth


Hi TIS Teams!

I’m excited to share new findings from the Next Generation: Youth Wellbeing Study, led by distinguished Professor Sandra Eades AO. Their latest paper focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 10–15 years and explores what helps them choose not to smoke.

Take home Message for TIS Teams
The ages 10–15 years are a critical time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to make smoke-free choices that benefit long-term health. As TIS teams, your work to promote smoke-free homes, schools, and communities provides the supportive environments youth need to be able to make those choices. Encouraging youth to stay engaged in education, sport, and cultural activities supports their overall wellbeing and strengthens protective factors against smoking. By promoting good mental and physical health alongside clear, positive smoke-free messages within families and communities, you help build resilience and a strong sense of identity. Make culture, family, and connection to Country central to your work. Using strengths-based approaches like these empowers youth and supports continued reductions in smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Click on the thumbnail to the right to read Connie’s full update.

For more of Connie the Clever Cockie’s updates, visit the Tobacco Control News page.