The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the increasing use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among teenagers, describing it as “alarming”. A survey of 280,000 adolescents aged 11, 13, and 15 in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada has revealed a worrying trend in stimulant use among young people.
According to the report presented by WHO, 57% of 15-year-olds have consumed alcohol at least once in their lives, with a slightly higher rate in females at 59% compared to males at 56%. The data also shows an increase in alcohol consumption among females as they get older, with a higher percentage of 15-year-old women drinking alcohol in the past month compared to men of the same age.
The report highlights the normalization of alcohol among teenagers, partly due to its easy availability in supermarkets and stores. WHO emphasizes the need for policies to protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
In addition to alcohol, the report also points out the rise in e-cigarette use among young people. While traditional cigarette smoking has decreased, the use of e-cigarettes has increased significantly. Approximately 32% of 15-year-olds have used e-cigarettes, with 20% reporting smoking them in the past 30 days.
WHO regional director Hans Kluge has called for measures such as increased taxes, distribution restrictions, and a ban on flavored e-cigarettes to address the indiscriminate use of stimulants among young people. The agency warns that these behaviors formed during adolescence can have long-term implications and increase the risk of addiction in adulthood.
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.