WHO is alarmed by alcohol and tobacco consumption among teenagers

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed “alarm” at the consumption of alcohol and e-cigarettes among 11 to 15-year-olds. Urgent action is needed, the European branch of the WHO said in a report published on Thursday.

The widespread consumption of harmful substances by children in many countries in Europe and beyond is a “serious threat” to public health, explained the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge. He called for higher taxes, restrictions on sales outlets and advertising, and a ban on flavourings.

Teenagers have switched to e-cigarettes
The report is based on data from 280,000 children and adolescents aged 11, 13 and 15 in Europe, Central Asia and Canada. According to the report, 57 per cent of 15-year-olds have drunk alcohol at least once.

According to the data, almost one in four young people of this age have drunk alcohol at least once in the past 30 days. Among 11-year-olds, eight percent of boys and five percent of girls. The WHO also emphasised the use of e-cigarettes, which has increased among young people. Smoking has decreased. However, many teenagers use e-cigarettes, which have overtaken cigarettes among young people.