Vaping boom among European teenagers: a phenomenon under surveillance
A warning is being raised across the European Union: e-cigarette use among adolescents continues to rise. According to the 2024 report from ESPAD (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs), nearly 44% of young Europeans aged 15 to 16 have already tried vaping, and more than one in five use it regularly.
A craze fueled by social networks
TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are rife with viral content portraying vaping as a trendy and harmless accessory. Young users find tutorials, challenges ("vape tricks"), and indirect promotions that encourage the spread of these products. The confusion between vaping with nicotine, CBD, and other psychoactive substances further complicates the perception of risks.
Marketing adapted to middle and high school students
Compact formats, fruity or sweet flavors, and fluorescent designs are clearly aimed at a youthful target audience. Ease of access in some stores or online, often without age verification, exacerbates the problem. In several Member States, surveys conducted in schools reveal that vaping is now more prevalent than traditional cigarettes.
Worrying medical consequences
In addition to the risks of nicotine addiction, early vaping can affect concentration, memory, lung development, and mental health. Symptoms such as chronic cough, fatigue, and chest pain are increasingly reported by young users.
National measures still disparate
While some countries, such as France, Ireland, and Lithuania, have begun to restrict advertising and regulate sales, others still lack the resources or political will. The European Commission is being called upon to harmonize rules for the protection of minors as part of the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.
The rise of vaping among young Europeans is no longer a passing fad, but a genuine public health issue that requires rapid, concerted, and data-driven responses.
