More time on social media ‘linked to smoking and vape use among teenagers’

Mental health, socio-economic status and past smoking behaviours were also factored in

Spending a lot of time on social media could increase the chances of teenagers taking up smoking or vaping, according to a study. File Picture: Nicholas T. Ansell/PA

Spending a lot of time on social media could increase the chances of teenagers taking up smoking or vaping, according to a study.

The findings advocate for the promotion of healthy online habits for young people, researchers said, rather than “blanket bans and over-protection”.