Preventing health problems during childhood and adolescence
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in adolescents
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) can have adverse health effects and lifelong repercussions. An infected person may pass an STBBI on to their partner without knowing it, often because they don’t have any symptoms.
In order to reduce the risks associated with STBBIs, adolescents should have their sexual health assessed by a health professional at least once a year. The health professional will determine if risk factors for STBBIs are present. They will provide advice on how to adopt and maintain safe behaviours (e.g., condom use). They may also recommend screening for certain STBBIs and vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccines). If necessary, they will offer preventive treatment to an adolescent who has been exposed to an STBBI. They will also be able to support the young person who has an STBBI so that they inform their sexual partners.
From the age of 14, an adolescent may consent alone to non-urgent care proposed by a health professional, in complete confidentiality.
For further information:
Obesity in children and adolescents
Excess weight and obesity are caused by several factors including genetics, the environment in which we live, lifestyle, etc. But even when we are well informed, willing and determined, it is sometimes difficult to regularly adopt behaviour that promotes healthy lifestyle habits, particularly dedicating enough time to regularly engaging in physical activities and eating well.
Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Perception of weight could also have an impact on self-esteem, mental health and social pressure.
If you suspect your youngster is overweight, a healthcare professional can determine the possible causes and consequences, and direct you to the appropriate resources. The use of medication, products or services to lose weight can negatively impact health and is often ineffective over the long term.
Protection against ultraviolet rays for children and adolescents
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can permanently damage the skin and eyes of children and adolescents. Exposure to UV radiation at an early age has a greater effect than at any other age. In particular, it increases the risk of skin cancer and skin aging.
Children and adolescents with the following characteristics are more sensitive to UV rays:
- pale skin that reddens quickly in the sun
- freckles
- blue, green or grey eyes
- blonde or red hair
Even for young people with dark skin, protection is recommended to prevent abnormal pigmentation.
Artificial ultraviolet radiation
Artificial tanning is prohibited for people under 18 years of age.
There is no safe exposure time, interval, or distance. Artificial tanning does not have any health benefits. Any exposure to tanning equipment is known to be carcinogenic. Artificial tanning does not protect against the harmful effects of the sun. It should not be used as a source of vitamin D. However, it can treat certain diseases under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Natural ultraviolet radiation
Sun tanning is not recommended.
It is recommended to limit sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and to check the UV index when planning outings. This can be done using the World Health Organization (WHO) SunSmart Global UV app or by checking local weather forecasts. You must apply sunscreen as soon as the UV index is higher than 3. Clouds and water block only a portion of UV rays. In addition, they are reflected by snow, sand and water.
Using physical methods against UV rays is recommended. For example:
- stay in the shade or under an umbrella
- wear a wide‑brimmed hat
- wear a long‑sleeved tightly‑woven top
- wear long, light‑coloured clothing
- wear sunglasses marked “100% UV protection” or “UV 400”
In addition to physical methods, using sunscreen is recommended. It must:
- have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and be water resistant
- be approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association
- be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun
- be applied in the following amounts for an adult:
- 1 teaspoon for the face and neck
- 2 to 3 tablespoons for the rest of the body. The amount must be adjusted depending on the size of the child or adolescent
- be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or strenuous physical activity
When you use it for the first time, test the sunscreen on a small area of skin on the forearm for the time recommended in the instructions on your product to detect a possible allergic reaction.
If a child or adolescent is taking medication or using cosmetics, they should consult a pharmacist to find out if these products can increase the skin’s reaction to the sun.
For further information:
- Tanning
- Protection from the sun and UV rays
- Sun safety tips for parents
Health Canada - Sunscreens
Health Canada - UV index and sun safety
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Oral health in children and adolescents
Tooth decay is caused by sugars in food and bacteria in the mouth. It affects most of the population.
To prevent tooth decay in children who are between 2 and 17 years of age:
- Brush teeth at least twice a day:
- until about 7–8 years old, the parent completes, carries out or supervises the brushing of their child’s teeth and puts the toothpaste on the toothbrush
- fluoride toothpaste must be kept out of the reach of young children
- Brush for 2 minutes.
- Use an amount of fluoride toothpaste that is the size of:
- a grain of rice for children under 3 years old
- a pea for children between 3 and 6 years of age
- 0.5 cm to 1 cm for children over 6 years of age
A grain of rice for children under 3 years of age.
A pea for children between 3 and 6 years of age.
0.5 cm to 1 cm for children over 6 years of age.
- Show your child how to spit out excess toothpaste, but they must not rinse their mouth after brushing; this way, the protection against tooth decay will last longer.
- Choose a toothbrush that is appropriate for your child’s age. It must have soft bristles so as not to injure the gums and a small rounded head to reach all the teeth.
- Floss, use a floss holder or interdental brush once a day if the teeth touch.
- Check the health of your child’s teeth once a month by lifting their lip to detect early signs of tooth decay.
Healthy teeth
Teeth with onset of decay indicated by whitish areas along the gum
Decayed teeth with brownish stains or small holes
Schedule an examination by a dentist at least once a year or as recommended by the dentist.
At all times, promote the adoption of healthy eating habits:
- prefer low-sugar snacks that do not stick to the teeth (for example, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, milk, egg, hummus, tofu spread)
- if sugary or sticky foods are eaten, serve them at mealtimes and not as a snack
- between meals, make water the child’s drink of choice
Given the risks to oral health, a health professional can help you prevent young people age 12 and over from starting smoking or support them in quitting smoking (see the section Smoking among adolescents).
For further information:
- Fiche d’hygiène de la bouche — De la première dent jusqu’à 6 ans (in French only)
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux - Fiche d’hygiène de la bouche — Enfant de 7 ans et plus, adolescent et adulte (in French only)
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux - Trouver les programmes gouvernementaux et autres solutions d’accès aux soins buccodentaires (in French only)
Ordre des dentistes du Québec — Dentaccès - Find a dentist
Ordre des dentistes du Québec - Preventing tooth decay
- Tooth brushing in children ages 6 and under with fluoride toothpaste — Parent’s guide
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux - Schedule for brushing teeth at home
Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux - Dental services
Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec
Smoking and vaping in adolescents
Consumption of smoked tobacco, vaping products or other products that contain nicotine (e.g., nicotine pouches) as well as exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke or vaping aerosols can pose a significant health risk to young people’s health.
In young people, smoking or exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke can cause 16 types of cancer and 21 chronic diseases. Smoking can reduce people’s duration and quality of life. The health effects of vaping products or nicotine pouches are concerning, but studies on the subject are insufficient. Smoking can affect brain development in young people. For example, it can adversely affect memory, concentration and impulse control. In addition, the nicotine in tobacco smoke, vaping products or pouches can be highly addictive, especially in young people who are looking for new experiences. By quitting these products, young people can increase their duration and quality of life significantly, while saving money.
Not starting to smoke or vape is the best option for your health. Your parents and friends can help you by discussing the risks of developing an addition with you.
A health professional can inform you about the various types of quit smoking support services and programs; they are free and confidential and are presented on the Tobacco-Free Québec website:
- Smoking cessation centres (SCAs)
- I QUIT telephone line (1 866 527-7383)
- help on the I QUIT website
- I QUIT Facebook group
Some young people may need medication to help them get through the nicotine withdrawal period. A health professional can advise you and help you obtain safe, approved medication, and inform you about possible reimbursement by the public drug insurance plan or private plans. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent’s or your legal representative’s consent must be obtained before you have medication prescribed for you.
Videos (in French only with English subtitles available)
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For further information:
For adolescents
- Don’t start smoking
- Electronic cigarettes
- De Facto
- Libair — Application mobile sur le vapotage pour les 13 à 17 ans (in French only)
- I QUIT NOW Text message service
Tobacco-Free Québec - Drop the Illusion
- EPAV Média : vidéos concernant le vapotage (in French only)
- QUIT TO WIN! Challenge
For parents
- Famille sans fumée (in French only)
- Outil d’accompagnement pour les parents : Le vapotage chez les jeunes est un problème à prendre au sérieux (in French only)
Tobacco-Free Québec - Je m’informe et je préviens (in French only)
Tobacco-Free Québec - Outils de prévention du vapotage destinés aux parents (in French only)
Tobacco-Free Québec - Baladodiffusions — C’est pas juste du vapotage (in French only)
Conseil québécois sur le tabac et la santé - Baladodiffusions, outils et formations — Vapotage (in French only)
Conseil québécois sur le tabac et la santé
Vaccination for children and adolescents
Several serious diseases can be prevented by vaccination, including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, rubella, mumps, human papillomavirus. Vaccines not only protect the person who is vaccinated but also limit the transmission of these diseases in their family and the community.
If the child had their basic vaccination before 2 years of age, additional vaccines are required between 4 and 6 years of age, in Grade 4 of primary school and between 14 and 16 years of age, according to the recommended immunization schedule. Consult the Québec Immunization Program page for information and to make an appointment.
Other vaccines may be necessary depending on health conditions, lifestyle habits or exposure to certain risk factors, such as travel. In addition, any child or adolescent who has not had any vaccines, whose vaccination is not up to date or who is in doubt about it should consult a health professional to find out what vaccines are recommended and to help them make an informed decision.
For further information:
Last update: September 16, 2025