Consumption rates alcohol and electronic cigarettes among children of age 11 to 15 years old are “alarming”, according to a World Health Organization report on Europewhich suggests taking public health measures to limit access to alcoholic beverages.

“The widespread use of harmful substances by children in many countries in the European region – and beyond – is a serious threat to public health,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge.

He has called for increased taxes, restrictions on sales points and advertising, and a ban on flavoring agents in e-cigarettes to counter this trend.

After years of declining use of psychoactive substances, “some evidence suggests that the covid-19 pandemic has led to a new increase in use,” reveals the report, which gathered data from 280,000 young people in Europe, central Asia and Canada .

Lockdowns have changed the habits of 11- to 15-year-olds, who have had more exposure to the internet and advertising there.

Implications at great cost

“The adoption of risky behaviors during adolescence can influence behavior in adulthood, as the consumption of psychoactive substances at a young age is associated with an increased risk of addiction,” Kluge emphasized.

“The effects are very costly both to them and to society,” he explained.

THE use of electronic cigarettes increased around the world, according to the report, and the trend is particularly strong among teenagers.

The good news, however, is that smoking is declining: 13% of 11- to 15-year-olds smoked in 2022, two points less than four years ago. However, many of them have turned to e-cigarettes.

About the 32% of 15-year-olds has already smoked an e-cigarette and 20% in the previous 30 days.

This survey, called Health Behavior in school-aged children (HBSC), is carried out every four years under the auspices of WHO Europe, which covers 53 countries as far as central Asia, and examines various aspects of student health 11, 13 and 15 years old.

The alcohol is the substance most often consumed by teenagers, with 57% of 15-year-olds have drunk at least once and almost four in ten have consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days.

Besides, about one teenager in 10 (9%) has been very drunk during his life. About 5% had already been drunk by the age of 13, as had 20% of 15-year-olds.

“This demonstrates an escalating trend in excessive alcohol consumption among young people,” complained WHO Europe.

“These results highlight the extent to which alcohol is available and normalized and shows the urgency to take better policy action to protect children and young people,” the organization insisted.

Another source of concern is that girls drink a lot more than before. 40% of 15-year-old girls said they had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days, compared to 38% four years ago, while the trend is the opposite for boys.

Cannabis consumption also fell slightly: the proportion of 15-year-olds who had already tried it fell by four points in four years, falling to 12%.