The World Health Organization recently released a major report that revealed some concerning trends in youth behavior in England. While the rate of smoking among children under 16 has significantly decreased from 19% in 2000 to 5% in 2018, the report highlighted a troubling increase in alcohol consumption among young people.
According to the report, a third of 11-year-olds and over half of 13-year-olds in England had consumed alcohol, making it the highest number of any country worldwide. Girls were found to be more likely than boys to have drunk alcohol by the age of 15.
Despite these alarming findings, experts noted that overall rates of youth drinking have been on a sharp decline. Dr. Katherine Severi, the chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to discourage alcohol consumption among young people.
Severi pointed out that measures such as increasing duty on alcohol, implementing minimum pricing policies, giving local areas control over availability, and restricting alcohol marketing have been effective in reducing alcohol harm. She also highlighted the role of socializing trends and increased awareness of the health risks of alcohol in driving the decline in youth drinking.
The report also revealed a gender disparity in smoking trends, with an increase in smoking among 15-year-old girls in England but a decrease among boys. Dr. Sabina Hulbert, a senior research fellow at the University of Kent, suggested that diminishing gender stereotypes and increased gender equality may be contributing to this trend.
Additionally, the analysis found that vaping has become increasingly popular among young people, with 40% of girls in England and Scotland having vaped before the age of 15. Hans Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, raised concerns about the marketing of vaping products to children and the potential health risks associated with vaping.
Dr. Jo Inchley, a reader at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the accessibility of disposable vapes as a contributing factor to the rise in vaping among young people. She emphasized the need for measures to restrict access to harmful substances and protect adolescents from the effects of toxic products.
Overall, the report underscores the importance of continued efforts to address youth drinking, smoking, and vaping behaviors in order to protect the health and well-being of young people in England.