Growing Use of E-Cigarettes Among German Teenagers Sparks Concern

According to a report by Deutsche Presse-Agentur on October 8th, a survey conducted by German health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit revealed that 7% of the 15,000 teenagers aged between 9 and 17 who were surveyed claimed to use e-cigarettes with nicotine at least once a month. This figure has increased from 5% over the past year, prompting the company to call for a nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes in Germany.

Usage of E-cigarettes is Increasing

DAK-Gesundheit is one of Germany's largest health insurance companies, with a history dating back to 1774. According to its recent survey, since 2016, there has been a decline in the usage rates of traditional cigarettes and hookahs among teenagers, while the use of e-cigarettes has been on the rise.

According to a survey among nearly 15,000 teenagers aged 9 to 17, 7% stated that they use e-cigarettes containing nicotine at least once a month. This figure is higher than the previous year's 5% (2016: 3.9%). Since the start of the survey in 2016, it is the first time that more students are regularly using e-cigarettes rather than traditional cigarettes or hookahs.

The proportion of German youths using cigarettes has remained virtually unchanged compared to last year. DAK-Gesundheit claims that Germany's goal of establishing a smoke-free society by 2040 will face challenges. The agency is calling for a nationwide ban on disposable e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are more effective in delivering nicotine compared to other products, according to Andreas Storm, CEO of DAK-Gesundheit. In a statement, Storm emphasized that e-cigarettes have become the primary starting point for nicotine addiction among young people, increasing their risk of regular smoking in adulthood and consequently raising their cancer risk.

Strom argued that the enticing flavors of e-cigarettes, particularly those resembling mango or raspberry, make them more appealing to students, especially children and teenagers. Additionally, the relatively low price of disposable e-cigarettes attracts young consumers. He urged for an immediate prohibition on disposable e-cigarettes.

Banning E-cigarettes could Backfire

However, Oliver Pohland, the director of the German e-cigarette industry association VdeH, believes that banning e-cigarettes is counterproductive.

Teenagers are inclined to explore new things, especially those that are prohibited. Rather than imposing fresh restrictions, what we truly require is sustained monitoring by authorities, particularly in smaller retail establishments.

Selling e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited in Germany. Olli has also responded to the notion that e-cigarettes may lead adolescents towards traditional cigarettes. The Federal Center for Health Education in Germany (BZgA) states that e-cigarettes may generally be less harmful to health compared to traditional cigarettes.