Historic first: This tiny nation just banned smoking for an entire generation. Should the US follow suit?

In an unprecedented move, a small nation has made global headlines by banning smoking for an entire generation—marking a historic first in public health policy. As the world watches closely, this tiny country’s radical step is being hailed as a blueprint for long-term health reform, challenging other governments to rethink how they safeguard the well-being of their youngest populations.

The Maldives becomes the first country to implement a complete generational smoking ban. From November 1, 2025, anyone born after January 1, 2007, can never legally buy, use, or possess tobacco products in this South Asian island nation.

It represents a decisive shift in public health policy that puts this country of just over half a million people at the forefront of global tobacco control—and it's happening at a time when other nations are grappling with their own anti-smoking policies in dramatically different ways.

What makes the Maldives approach different

The Maldives hasn't just lowered the smoking age or increased taxes—they've drawn a line in the sand. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are now required to verify a consumer’s age prior to sale.

The country already enforces a complete ban on vapes and electronic cigarettes regardless of age, making their approach even more comprehensive than most.

This is significant because roughly one in four Maldivians over the age of 15 use tobacco, and nearly half of teens aged 13 to 15 are reported to use some form of it. The generational ban essentially stops the pipeline of new smokers while allowing current adult users to continue.

The cautionary tale from across the Tasman

The Maldives' success comes as New Zealand provides a sobering lesson in policy reversals. New Zealand's anti-smoking law banned tobacco sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, with harsh penalties including fines of up to around $85,000.

But politics intervened. Finance Minister Nicola Willis admitted the measures would be axed to fund tax cuts, with tobacco revenue worth about $1 billion to government books. Former health minister Ayesha Verrall said the reversal was “modelled to save 80,000 lives” but was abandoned “just to fund tax cuts”.

The reversal drew sharp criticism. Professor Boyd Swinburn called it “a major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry”. The decision sparked debate, especially given that New Zealand was already recognized for having one of the lowest smoking rates globally—with approximately 56,000 people giving up tobacco in 2022 alone.

Britain pushes forward despite opposition

While New Zealand retreated, the UK continues advancing similar legislation.

The House of Commons voted 383 to 67 in favor of making it illegal for anyone born in 2009 or later to buy tobacco products, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling it “the biggest public health intervention in a generation”.

The proposal has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including conservative voices. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson dismissed the idea as “absolutely nuts,” expressing disbelief that a party once associated with Winston Churchill would consider outlawing cigars.

Despite opposition, the bill has passed through the House of Commons and is now progressing through the House of Lords.

Protecting tomorrow’s lungs today—global tobacco policies shift toward prevention, not punishment. Image Source: Ann H/Pexels

Why global tobacco policy shifts matter for our families

In the United States, nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers began smoking before age 18, and in 2024, 2.25 million middle and high school students reported current use of tobacco products—including e-cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.

The country has adopted many of the same tobacco control strategies—high taxes, warning labels, and advertising restrictions—but recent data shows youth and young adult smoking trends remain a concern, especially as vaping regulations evolve.

Unlike the Maldives or the UK, the country has not pursued a generational smoking ban. Instead, federal and state policies focus on minimum age laws, flavor bans, and public education campaigns. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed rules to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, but implementation has been delayed.

As other nations take bold steps to protect future generations, the country stands at a crossroads. The choices we make now—whether through stronger policies, community education, or family-led advocacy—will shape the health and habits of millions of young Americans.

Looking ahead

The Maldives' generational ban represents a new frontier in tobacco control, one that completely stops the cycle of addiction rather than just managing it. Whether this approach spreads will depend largely on political will and economic realities, as New Zealand's experience demonstrates.

Key Takeaways

• Generational bans are gaining traction globally: The Maldives became the first country to permanently ban tobacco for anyone born after 2007, with the UK advancing similar legislation for those born after 2009.
• Youth tobacco use remains a major concern in the U.S.: Nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers started before age 18, and over 2 million U.S. teens currently use tobacco products.
• The U.S. has tobacco control tools—but no generational ban: Policies focus on age restrictions, taxes, flavor bans, and education, while proposed menthol and flavored cigar bans face delays.
• Global reversals show the fragility of health policy: New Zealand repealed its generational ban to preserve tobacco tax revenue, despite projections that it could save 80,000 lives.
• Families have a stake in future policy decisions: These shifts challenge U.S. communities to advocate for stronger protections, especially as vaping trends and youth exposure evolve.

What do you think about these different approaches to tobacco control? Has the U.S. got the balance right, or should we be considering more dramatic measures like the Maldives? Share your thoughts and experiences on how attitudes to smoking have changed during your lifetime in the comments below!