Newly released statistics from NHS Digital have revealed that the proportion of smoking students has hit a record low of 3%. However, alarmingly, over 20% of 15-year-old girls are now using e-cigarettes, bringing to mind the smoking levels seen over a decade ago. This data suggests a worrying trend towards a new form of nicotine addiction among young people. Photo credit: David Jones/PA.
A study has revealed that in 2021, 21% of 15-year-old girls admit to currently using electronic cigarettes, more than twice the amount recorded by NHS Digital in 2018 (10%). The percentage of girls using e-cigarettes is 7 percentage points higher than their male peers of the same age.
The 2021 report on smoking, drinking, and drug use among young people in England shows a decrease in the percentage of students who self-report as smokers from 5% in 2018 to 3% in 2021, reaching an all-time low. As of 2021, less than one-eighth of secondary school students (12%) have ever smoked, which is the lowest number since comparable records began in 1982.
The number of people using electronic cigarettes has reached a historical high. In 2021, 9% of students have tried e-cigarettes, which is the highest number on record, compared to 6% in 2018. Girls aged 15 are most likely to do so, with over one-fifth of people reporting current use and 12% saying they use e-cigarettes frequently. The last time regular smoking rates were this high among 15-year-old girls was in 2010, when 14% reported being regular smokers.
However, the study also revealed progress in reducing alcohol and drug use. According to new data released by NHS Digital, only 18% of 11 to 15-year-old teenagers in England reported having used drugs by 2021, down from 24% in 2018. Last year, only 40% of students reported having drunk alcohol, down from 44% in both 2018 and 2016.
According to data, high school students with stronger social skills- those who frequently interact with people outside of their family or school- are more likely to have tried illegal drugs, alcohol, or smoking compared to those who rarely meet others. Among those who interact with people outside of their family or school on a daily basis, nearly one-fifth (19%) have used drugs in the past month. In contrast, 8% of those who socialize outside of their home or school a few times a week and 5% of those who only meet with people outside of their home or school once a week have used drugs in the past month. Among those who have not met anyone in the past month, only 2% have used drugs.
According to statistical data, Covid-19 may have played a role in the decrease in drug usage, as the early 2021 restrictions may have limited young people's opportunities to socialize outside of school. The proportion of students who have tried nitrous oxide (known as laughing gas) has decreased significantly. In 2021, only 3% of students had tried it, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points since 2018. The proportion of high school students who have tried glue and solvents has decreased by 2.2 percentage points to 6.8%, while cocaine usage has decreased from 1.8% to 1.4%.
Reducing drug use, alcohol consumption and smoking may have a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of young people. Last month, more than half of children who used drugs reported low levels of happiness during that time, while only 26% of children who did not smoke, drink or use drugs reported feeling happy.
Statement
This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry discussion and learning purposes.
This article does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS and we cannot confirm the authenticity and accuracy of its content. The translation of this article is solely for the purpose of industry exchange and research.
Due to limitations in our translation abilities, the translated version of this article may not accurately reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.
2FIRSTS aligns completely with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign issues and positions.
The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.
Disclaimer
This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.
Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.
The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.
This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.
Copyright Notice
This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.
No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.
For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.
AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice
Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.
Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.
