WHO Report: Concerns Over E-Cigarette and Alcohol Consumption in Children

According to a report from the World Health Organization's European office, released on May 5th, the proportion of e-cigarette and alcohol consumption among 11 to 15 year olds is "alarming," prompting a call for public health measures to restrict access to alcoholic beverages.

According to a report from the World Health Organization European Office, the proportion of e-cigarette and alcohol consumption among 11 to 15-year-old children is "concerning." The report calls for public health measures to restrict children's access to alcohol-containing drinks. Additionally, this study, entitled "Health Behaviour in School-aged Children," is conducted every four years and covers 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, primarily focusing on various factors influencing the health of 11, 13, and 15-year-old students.

In several European countries, the widespread use of harmful substances by children and the serious threat it poses to public health has deeply concerned Hans Kluge, the Regional Director for Europe at the World Health Organization. He has called for increased taxes, restrictions on sales points and advertising, and a ban on flavor ingredients in e-cigarettes to address this trend.

Furthermore, the report reveals that despite a decreasing trend in the consumption of psychoactive substances, data shows that the consumption levels have risen again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study collected data from 280,000 young people from Europe, Central Asia, and Canada.

The isolation policies have changed the habits of children aged 11 to 15, leading them to be excessively exposed to the internet and online advertisements. Hans Krong emphasizes that adopting risky behaviors during adolescence may affect adult behavior, as using psychoactive substances at a young age is related to an increased risk of addiction.