The availability and normalisation of alcohol is contributing to early-onset alcohol use, according to researchers from WHO/Europe and the University of Glasgow.
A recent study, Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC), has found alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people. More than half of 15-year-olds in Europe have used alcohol, and England specifically has the highest rates of lifetime alcohol use among 11 and 13-year-olds.
Additionally, vaping rates have now overtaken tobacco use. Among 11-year-olds in England, almost one in ten have used an e-cigarette. By 15, this rises to 26% of boys and 40% of girls.
The study compiled data from nearly 280,000 teenage boys and girls from across Europe, Central Asia and Canada between 2021-22. Findings showed rates of alcohol, tobacco and vape use was particularly high in girls.
Co-principal investigator for HBSC England Dr Sabina Hulbert said: ‘With figures on the rise, especially for girls, we urge our policy makers to make immediate changes to the clearly ineffective measures that are currently in place to protect our young generations from harm.’
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