TikTok instead of Cigarettes: New Addiction Behavior Among Adolescents
This is shown by the current ESPAD survey 2024 among 14 to 17-year-old students. In addition to substance use, digital behaviors were also recorded – with alarming results, particularly regarding social media and mental well-being.
Decline in Alcohol Consumption Among Youth
The long-term decline in alcohol consumption among young people continues: While in 2007 only a minority reported never having consumed alcohol, this proportion has quadrupled by 2024. Nevertheless, 60 percent of the surveyed young people had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days – one in five regularly or with at least one binge.
According to ESPAD data, nine percent of students show at least one characteristic of risky alcohol consumption. The Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG), which conducted the study on behalf of the Ministry of Health, still sees a positive development in the long-term comparison.
E-Cigarettes on the Rise
A particularly significant change is evident in smoking: In 2003, 49 percent of students reported smoking cigarettes daily – by 2024, it was only 23 percent. At the same time, the use of e-cigarettes increased significantly: from seven percent in 2015 to 29 percent in 2024.
For the first time, young people in Austria report that they have had their first smoking experiences more often with e-cigarettes than with traditional cigarettes. Nicotine pouches are also becoming increasingly popular. Overall, 57 percent of the surveyed young people have already consumed at least one of these nicotine products.
Cannabis stable, new trends in sedatives
Cannabis use among adolescents has remained largely constant compared to previous years: 18 percent have used it at least once, seven percent in the last 30 days. Inhalants, alcohol-medication mixtures, and nitrous oxide are the most commonly tried substances outside the usual drug categories.
The use of sleeping and sedative medications is becoming increasingly relevant – an indication of rising psychological stress.
Psychological stress among adolescents is increasing
Particularly concerning is the use of digital media: While daily gambling is hardly widespread, many adolescents report problematic behavior in dealing with digital games and social networks. One-third play daily, with boys being more frequently affected. Girls, on the other hand, more often show problematic use of social media.
A quarter of all surveyed adolescents rate their own well-being as low. Ten percent show signs of significant psychological stress. Girls are more frequently affected by this. The connection between psychological stress and addictive behavior is emphasized by the study authors.
The ESPAD study (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) is regularly conducted in 37 European countries. In Austria, 7,735 students from the ninth and tenth grades participated. The last survey was conducted in 2019.
(APA/Red)
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