Complete Failure of the Reform: Ukrainians Shocked by Data on Teen Smoking.

Every fifth teenager uses electronic cigarettes, and the overall prevalence of smoking among them has reached a critical 17.6% in 2023. The data from this study indicate a failure of the system to protect children from tobacco addiction.

WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, conducted a study among schoolchildren aged 11-17 years. Over the past 20 years, Ukraine has made progress in reducing smoking among teenagers, but the prevalence of electronic cigarette use remains high.

Increase of Alternative Tobacco Products Among Youth

Smoking rates among teenagers are decreasing, but the use of alternative tobacco products is rising. The availability of tobacco products for youth is not decreasing, leading to an increase in nicotine addiction.

Ukraine has taken steps to strengthen anti-tobacco legislation, but these measures have proven insufficient in the face of the nicotine addiction epidemic among youth. Government action and systematic prevention are necessary to protect young people from nicotine risks in the future.

In 2023, studies showed that every fifth Ukrainian teenager uses electronic cigarettes, and the prevalence of smoking among this group has risen to 17.6%. This indicates a problem in the system of protecting children from tobacco addiction. Additionally, the use of alternative tobacco products among youth is increasing, which requires systemic measures from the government to combat this phenomenon.