SwitzerlandThe World Health Organization (WHO) said the indiscriminate use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among teenagers is “alarming”.
Based on survey data from 280,000 adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, WHO presents a worrying picture of indiscriminate stimulant use.
“The long-term consequences of these trends are very worrying. Policymakers cannot ignore them,” a WHO representative said on April 25, at a press conference in Geneva.
The report shows that 57% of 15-year-olds have drunk alcohol at least once in their lives. The rate in women is 59%, in men is 56%. The WHO notes that alcohol consumption has generally decreased in men, but increased in women. Eight percent of 11-year-old males reported using alcohol at least once in the past month, compared to 5 percent of females. However, at age 15, the rate of drinking alcohol in a month is higher in women.
WHO said the statistics highlight the normalization of alcohol among teenagers, due to the availability of this item in supermarkets and grocery stores. The trend shows the urgent need to promulgate policies to protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of alcohol.
The report also highlights the use of e-cigarettes by young people. Traditional cigarette smoking is decreasing from 2018 to 2022. However, the rate of e-cigarette smoking increased sharply. About 32% of 15-year-olds have used e-cigarettes, with 20% saying they have smoked once in the past 30 days.
“The indiscriminate use of stimulants by young people in many countries across Europe is increasing, which could become a serious threat to public health,” said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director. European region, said.
Kluge called for increased taxes, restrictions on the distribution of these products and a ban on the sale of flavoring agents for e-cigarettes.
The United Nations health agency’s report also said bad behaviors formed during the teenage years can shape a person’s habits when they become adults. In particular, using stimulants at a young age can cause a higher risk of addiction.
“As a result, both they and society have to pay a heavy price,” WHO emphasized.