Survey shows that New Hampshire teens smoked less in 2010

The annual Syner tobacco compliance check in New Hamphire reveals that tobacco use among teens has decreased from 2009, the New Hampshire Union Leader reports.

The study found that tobacco sales to children and teens dropped to 8.6 percent in 2010, which which is a decline of 14 percent from 2009. Officials told the news source that building partnerships between schools, parents and anti-drug advocates that address issues affecting the health and safety of children and teens contributed to the decrease in tobacco use.

School officials added that programs, such as Kicking Butts and student assistance programs have helped children refrain from smoking. Furthermore, tobacco use is covered in health curricula across the state.

Officials from the State Liquor Commission Enforcement Division told the news source that they proving education to area merchants to help them comply with the tobacco laws. They noted that the numbers show how well field agents and teen volunteers are performing the compliance checks of retailers.

According to a 2009 study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 20 percent of 12th graders used tobacco in the 30 days prior to the survey.