WHO Warns of Alarming Alcohol and E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new analysis that highlights the pervasive use of alcohol and electronic cigarettes among adolescents, describing the trend as 'alarming.' The report, based on survey data from 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, reveals concerning patterns of substance use in this age group.

According to the findings, alcohol remains the most commonly used substance, with 57% of 15-year-olds having tried it at least once and 37% reporting alcohol consumption in the past 30 days. The incidence of drunkenness also increases with age, climbing from 5% among 13-year-olds to a staggering 20% by age 15. "9% of teenagers reported having experienced 'significant drunkenness,'" the report states.

The analysis also sheds light on the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents, surpassing that of conventional cigarettes. The data shows that 32% of 15-year-olds have used an e-cigarette at some point, compared to 25% who have smoked a traditional cigarette. Moreover, 20% of this age group reported using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days.

Why this matters: The pervasive use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among adolescents poses significant health risks and can have long-lasting consequences. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and policies to protect the well-being of young people.

The WHO has called for improved policy measures to prevent harm and address this public health threat. Recommendations include higher taxes on these products, restrictions on their availability and advertising, and a ban on flavoring agents that appeal to young people. The organization emphasizes the importance of protecting children and adolescents from the detrimental effects of alcohol and nicotine during this critical stage of brain development.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, expressed concern over the findings, stating, "The widespread use of harmful substances among children is a serious public health threat. We must protect adolescents from the effects of toxic and dangerous products." The report functions as a call to action for policymakers and public health officials to prioritize the well-being of young people and implement evidence-based interventions to curb this alarming trend.

Key Takeaways

• WHO report finds alarming trends in adolescent alcohol, e-cigarette use in Europe
• 57% of 15-year-olds have tried alcohol, 20% report significant drunkenness
• 32% of 15-year-olds have used e-cigarettes, surpassing traditional cigarettes at 25%
• WHO calls for higher taxes, restrictions on availability and advertising of these products
• Report serves as a call to action to protect youth from harmful substance use