The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns over the growing use of e-cigarettes among young people, warning that in several regions, youth vaping rates have now surpassed those of adults.
According to available data from 11 out of 12 Western Pacific countries with reporting figures, e-cigarette use is significantly higher among adolescents and young people, highlighting a rapidly expanding public health concern.
WHO emphasized that this trend is not a reflection of individual choices among young people, but rather the result of aggressive marketing strategies, appealing flavours, attractive packaging, and digital advertising tactics used by tobacco and nicotine industries to increase product uptake.
The organisation warned that these products are often promoted as adult alternatives to smoking, while in reality they are increasingly reaching and influencing younger populations.
Marking World No Tobacco Day, WHO called on governments worldwide to introduce stronger regulations, including bans or strict controls on e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products, in order to protect young people from addiction and long-term health risks.
Health officials stressed that stronger policy action is urgently needed to curb rising youth exposure and prevent a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine.
