By Charlotte Webster
A comprehensive report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled concerning trends in adolescent substance use across 44 countries, with findings indicating that girls in the UK are outpacing boys in alcohol consumption, smoking, and vaping.
The study, drawing data from 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15, highlights a significant disparity in substance use patterns between genders in the UK.
Notably, girls aged 13 and 15 exhibit higher rates of drinking, smoking, and vaping compared to boys, marking a concerning trend in adolescent health behaviours.
Girls aged 13 and 15 in the UK demonstrate elevated rates of vaping, surpassing their counterparts in other European nations.
England leads globally in child alcohol consumption, with alarming rates of drinking initiation observed as early as age 11.
Vaping prevalence among children in England, particularly girls, exceeds the global average, indicating a growing public health concern.
Scotland and Wales rank among the top five countries globally for cannabis use among adolescents, with notable disparities between genders.
Dr. Jo Inchley, international coordinator for the study, underscored the urgency of addressing these concerning trends, pointing to the accessibility and affordability of substances like vapes as contributing factors.
Dr. Inchley emphasized the need for robust policy responses to mitigate the risks associated with early substance use among adolescents.
While there have been declines in cannabis experimentation among children in Scotland, persistent challenges remain, particularly concerning regular use. Dr. Inchley highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address high levels of cannabis consumption, especially among 15-year-old boys.
The study’s findings also shed light on the complex interplay between substance use and mental health, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating existing vulnerabilities among young people.
Dr. Inchley suggested a nuanced approach to understanding the impact of the pandemic on adolescent behaviors, particularly in relation to substance use.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, emphasized the urgent need to protect adolescents from the harmful effects of substance use, calling attention to the pervasive influence of online marketing and popular culture in normalizing risky behaviours.
In response to the report, Dr. Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, cautioned against misconceptions about introducing children to moderate drinking, stressing the importance of preventing early exposure to alcohol to mitigate long-term health risks.
. The UK government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free generation through stringent tobacco and vape legislation reflects a step in the right direction toward addressing these pressing public health concerns.