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E-Cigarette Use Surges Among Flemish Youth, With Girls Leading the Charge

In a significant shift in smoking trends among Flemish youth, girls are smoking as much as boys for the first time, according to a recent survey conducted by the Flemish Alcohol and Other Drugs (VAD) expertise centre.

This change, highlighted in the latest survey of secondary school pupils, raises concerns and discussions about the future of smoking habits among young people in the region.

The survey revealed that while traditional tobacco smoking continues to decline among young people aged 12 to 18, the use of e-cigarettes has surged.

Only 15.9% of respondents reported having smoked tobacco in the past year, down from 17% in 2021-2022.

Historically, boys have had higher smoking rates than girls, but the latest findings indicate a notable convergence, with both genders now engaging in smoking at similar rates.

Pieter Debognies, a tobacco and nicotine expert at the Vlaams Instituut Gezond Leven, expressed optimism about the overall decline in tobacco use. “The fact that tobacco use continues to decline overall is a positive evolution,” he told VRT.

He attributed this trend to changing societal norms regarding smoking, noting that it is increasingly viewed as unacceptable.

Additionally, various measures have been implemented to curb smoking, such as extended smoking bans, higher tobacco prices, and restrictions on sales in large supermarkets and vending machines.

However, the decline in traditional cigarette use is being overshadowed by the rising popularity of e-cigarettes. Since the 2021-2022 school year, e-cigarettes have become more prevalent than traditional cigarettes among students.

The survey found that nearly one in four pupils reported vaping in the past year, with 6.5% admitting to doing so regularly. Alarmingly, the proportion of students who vape regularly has tripled since the 2018-2019 academic year.

Debognies noted that many young people experiment with e-cigarettes out of curiosity, which is typical for this age group.

“Trying things out is part of the period of being young,” he remarked. He also pointed out that about half of the young people who vaped in the past year have since stopped, which he hopes is a permanent decision.

However, the increase in regular and daily vaping among young people is particularly concerning.

Debognies highlighted that this trend is most pronounced among 17- and 18-year-olds and students in technical and practical education, where one in ten students reported vaping daily.

One of the most striking findings from the survey is the closing gap in e-cigarette use between girls and boys, with girls now leading in usage.

The survey indicates that 23.8% of girls reported vaping in the last year, compared to 22.5% of boys. The reasons behind this shift remain unclear, but Debognies speculated that the e-cigarette’s “cleaner” image might be a contributing factor.

He pointed out that e-cigarettes do not leave stains on fingers or teeth, and the available flavors tend to produce a more pleasant smell than traditional tobacco smoke.

Despite the differences in perception between traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, both contain nicotine, a substance that causes addiction.

Debognies stressed the importance of addressing both forms of smoking together, as there is a clear correlation in usage patterns.

“Young people who already smoke or have smoked are more likely to reach for the e-cigarette,” he explained. He cautioned that an excessive focus on reducing e-cigarette use might inadvertently lead some young people to return to traditional smoking.

The survey also revealed that many young people are starting to use e-cigarettes without ever having smoked a traditional cigarette.

Debognies emphasized the need to prevent the situation from escalating further, stating that both forms of smoking should be addressed comprehensively.

Moreover, the accessibility of e-cigarettes to young people poses additional concerns. The recent increase in usage has been largely attributed to disposable e-cigarettes, which are available in a variety of colors and flavors that appeal to youth.

Their affordability and the widespread violation of sales bans to minors by retailers further exacerbate the issue.

Debognies highlighted the urgent need for effective measures to regulate the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes to young people.

“They are available in different colors and flavors, which obviously appeal to young people,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of preventing easy access to these products, particularly given the alarming trend of rising e-cigarette use among young girls.

As authorities and health experts grapple with these changing smoking trends, there is a collective call for more comprehensive strategies to address the dual challenges posed by both traditional and electronic forms of smoking.

The survey’s findings serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together in developing targeted interventions that prioritize the health and well-being of the younger generation.

In conclusion, while the decline in traditional cigarette use among Flemish youth is a positive development, the surge in e-cigarette popularity, especially among girls, raises important questions about the future of smoking and nicotine use among young people.

With evolving trends and perceptions surrounding smoking, it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect youth from the risks associated with both traditional and electronic nicotine products.

 

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