Alcohol and E-Cigarettes: WHO Raises the Alarm Over Teen Substance Use Trends

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the increasing use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among teenagers. According to a survey of 280,000 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, there is a worrying trend in stimulant use among young people.

Out of the 15-year-olds surveyed, 57% have consumed alcohol at least once in their lives. This percentage is slightly higher for females at 59% compared to males at 56%. Additionally, there is an increase in alcohol consumption among females as they get older. A higher percentage of 15-year-old women drank alcohol in the past month compared to men of the same age.

The report highlights how the normalization of alcohol among teenagers has contributed to this trend. WHO emphasizes the need for policies that will protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

Alongside this concern over alcohol consumption, WHO also points out the rise in e-cigarette use among young people. While traditional cigarette smoking has decreased, e-cigarette use has increased significantly. Approximately 32% of 15-year-olds have used e-cigarettes, with 20% reporting smoking them in the past 30 days.

To address this issue, WHO regional director Hans Kluge calls for measures such as increased taxes on tobacco products and stricter distribution restrictions on e-cigarettes. He also advocates for a ban on flavored e-cigarettes due to their appeal to young people who may not be aware of their potential dangers.

In conclusion, WHO underscores the importance of addressing these trends in adolescent substance use to protect public health and prevent potential consequences both for individuals and society as a whole. Policymakers are urged to take action to curb the harmful effects of alcohol and e-cigarette consumption among teenagers before it’s too late.