European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)

Key Takeaways

• ESPAD data cited: current e-cigarette use among ages 15–19 rose from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
• The report says Italy’s data aligns closely with the European trend
• Lifetime use of conventional cigarettes among students fell sharply from 1995 to 2024, with the biggest decline in 2019–2024
• Medical concerns cited: dual/triple use across e-cigarettes, cigarettes and heated tobacco devices can increase nicotine intake
• Lack of long-term studies leaves uncertainty about inhaling heated flavourings/excipients, including in nicotine-free liquids

2Firsts, Feb 11 2026

According to La Nazione, a European study examined vaping among young people. The report says the researchers are associated with ESPAD (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs), described as the largest European network studying addiction and risk behaviours among upper secondary school students.

The report cites data showing that the share of 15- to 19-year-olds who are current users of e-cigarettes increased from 14% in 2019 to 22% in 2024. It adds that Italy’s figures closely reflect the broader European situation.

In contrast, the report says conventional cigarette smoking appears to be declining among young people: the proportion of students who have used traditional cigarettes at least once in their lifetime fell sharply between 1995 and 2024, with the largest decline recorded between 2019 and 2024.

The report raises questions about whether e-cigarettes—introduced as a “healthier” alternative to cigarettes—are entirely consequence-free for teenagers. It says observations indicate that, despite age limits on sales, many young vapers engage in combined, dual or triple use of different nicotine-delivery devices (e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes and heated tobacco devices), which increases the amount of nicotine consumed.

It also notes that e-cigarettes have an attractive appearance and distinctive flavours considered appealing to very young users, and are easier to use, without lighters, cigarette butts or ash—factors the report says can encourage very frequent, almost continuous use.

Finally, the report says devices that vaporise nicotine-free liquids cannot be considered entirely safe. With long-term scientific studies still lacking, it says there is no certainty that inhaling heated flavourings and excipients does not produce substances potentially harmful to the health of the airways and mouth, especially among younger users.

Image Source: La Nazione