Copenhagen, Denmark: A recent report released by the European arm of the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the prevalent use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among adolescents. The report, based on data collected from a survey of 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 across Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, paints a troubling picture of substance use among youth.
According to the WHO, the findings reveal alarming trends that demand attention from policymakers due to their potential long-term consequences. The report indicates that a significant proportion of adolescents have experimented with alcohol, with 57 percent of 15-year-olds having consumed alcohol at least once. Notably, there’s a slight gender difference, with 59 percent of girls and 56 percent of boys having tried alcohol.
Furthermore, the data shows variations in alcohol consumption patterns among different age groups and genders. While overall drinking rates have slightly decreased among boys, they have increased among girls. By the age of 15, more girls report consuming alcohol within the past 30 days compared to boys.
In addition to alcohol, the report highlights the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers, surpassing traditional cigarette use. Approximately 32 percent of 15-year-olds have tried e-cigarettes, with 20 percent reporting recent use. This shift in behavior calls for urgent measures to mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse among young people.
The WHO emphasizes the need for comprehensive policy interventions, including higher taxes, restrictions on availability and advertising, and a ban on flavoring agents for e-cigarettes. The report underscores that early engagement in high-risk behaviors, such as substance use, can have detrimental effects on both individual and societal well-being, potentially leading to addiction and other health issues.
While there’s a slight decrease in cannabis use among 15-year-olds, the report stresses the need for continued monitoring and intervention to address substance abuse effectively. Conducted every four years, the WHO’s Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey provides crucial insights into adolescent health behaviors, guiding efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent substance abuse.
Read More :
