Russian Lawmaker Sounds Alarm as Teenage Vaping Surges—Female Use Overtakes Male

Oct.17

Russia’s Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy warns that among 11–14-year-olds, girls now vape at higher rates than boys, a trend he calls “deeply concerning.” He says the spread of nicotine products—especially e-cigarettes—among minors poses a public health risk and warrants continued policy-level interventions.

Key points at a glance

Chair of the State Duma’s Youth Policy Committee says vaping is more common among girls aged 11–14 than boys.
He links the rise in teen vaping to concerns about Russia’s demographic outlook.
Citing WHO data: at least 15 million e-cigarette users worldwide are aged 13–15.

2Firsts, October 17, 2025 — According to Parlamentskaya Gazeta, Artyom Metelev, Chair of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy, said in an October 17 conversation with TASS that girls aged 11–14 in Russia vape more frequently than boys of the same age. He called the trend “seriously worrying” and linked it to Russia’s broader demographic challenges.

Metelev noted that nicotine-containing products—especially e-cigarettes—are spreading among minors, posing significant risks to the health of the younger generation. He stressed that the issue of youth vaping requires sustained policy-level responses. The report also cites WHO figures indicating that no fewer than 15 million people aged 13–15 worldwide use e-cigarettes.

Previously, Metelev proposed amending national standards (GOST) for e-cigarette products, including banning bright colors and child imagery on packaging and prohibiting “toyification” (e.g., adding toy-like features), with the aim of reducing the products’ appeal to minors.

Cover image: Parlamentskaya Gazeta.

References:

[1] Депутат Метелев: Девочки-подростки курят вейпы чаще, чем мальчики

Also Read:

[1] Russia’s Health Ministry backs full ban on vapes and nalivaykas

[2] Russian police seize counterfeit e-cigarettes and tobacco products in Novosibirsk,products valued at about 1.3 million rubles

[3] Tyumen Regional Parliament in Russia Reviewing Bill to Impose Total Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

[4] Yekaterinburg shuts down illegal e-cigarette oil factory; Russia plans to ban e-cigarette sales

[5] The Russian government approved a bill requiring e-cigarette and cigarette sales to be licensed from March 2026

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