A report released recently by the World Health Organization’s European branch raised the alarm over the widespread use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among adolescents, as it recommended measures to limit access.
Based on survey data from 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada, the WHO said it showed a “concerning picture” of substance use among young people.
The report found that 57 percent of 15-year-olds had drunk alcohol at least once, for girls the figure was 59 percent, compared to 56 percent for boys. When it came to current use, defined as having drunk at least once in the last 30 days, eight percent of 11-year-old boys reported having done so, compared to 5 percent of girls.
But by age 15, girls had overtaken boys, with 38 percent of girls saying they had drunk at least once in the last 30 days, while only 36 percent of boys had.
“The long term consequences of these trends are significant, and policy makers cannot afford to ignore these alarming findings,” the health body said.
And while smoking is declining, the report also highlighted the increased use of e-cigarettes among teenagers. Around 32 percent of 15-year-olds have used one, and 20 percent reported having used one in the last 30 days.
“The widespread use of harmful substances among children in many countries across the European Region – and beyond – is a serious public health threat,” WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said as he called for higher taxes, restrictions in availability and advertising, as well as a ban on flavoring agents.
“Engaging in high-risk behaviors during the adolescent years can shape adult behavior, with substance use at an early age being linked to a higher risk of addiction,” the report said. “The consequences are costly for them and society,” it added.
Although higher taxes, restrictions in availability and advertising, and a ban on flavoring agents will all help reduce the use of harmful substances among the youth, but difficult truth is that most of the burden and responsibility lies with the parents and guardians who form the first and last line of defense against the early development of high risk behaviors. This will require vigilance, constant communication, and being good role models to their highly impressionable charges who are easily led astray.*
