A significant study has found that in the UK, young girls are more likely to indulge in drinking, smoking, and vaping compared to their male counterparts.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) research, which looked at 44 countries, suggests England is leading in terms of youth alcohol misuse globally.
The comprehensive study involved an analysis of data from about 280,000 children aged 11, 13 and 15 years old. It concluded that girls in the UK within the 13 to 15 age bracket are frequently more involved in drinking, smoking, and vaping than boys.
This pattern is notably prevalent in England and Scotland, where up to 40% of 15-year-old girls have experienced vaping, a percentage that surpasses the figures in countries like France, Germany, and Spain.
The disparity continues with 30% of 15-year-old girls in England having vaped within the past month, compared to 17% of boys, ranking higher than adolescents in Ireland, Canada, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark. Notably, girls were more prone to try vaping by the age of 15 than the average among the 44 countries assessed, with vaping now becoming more common than traditional smoking.
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Furthermore, the study highlights that 11 and 13-year-olds in England were markedly more likely to have tried alcohol than peers in other countries.
When it comes to drunkenness, UK figures are alarming, especially for girls. England, at age 11, showed that 34% of girls and 35% of boys reported drinking alcohol, placing the country at the top of the global list as per WHO’s findings.
That number rises to 57% for girls and 50% for boys by the time they reach 13, with a striking 53% of 15-year-old girls reporting alcohol consumption in the last month, opposed to 39% for boys.
The research also conveys that children in Scotland and Wales are more likely to have smoked cannabis compared to many other nations, with both regions ranking globally in the top five.
A particular highlight is that Scotland has the highest rate of 15-year-old boys (23%) using cannabis globally, with only Canadian girls reporting a higher rate (25%).
Dr Jo Inchley, the study’s international coordinator from the University of Glasgow, described the statistics as “a little bit concerning”. She pointed out that the UK’s vaping rates are higher than the average and seem to be rising rapidly over recent years.
The UK government responded with an emphasis on health advice against smoking, vaping, and underage drinking due to their potential harm to young individuals.
Legislative efforts like the UK’s first Tobacco and Vapes Bill are highlighted as steps towards combating these issues, with measures that include making it illegal to sell tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009, and implementing restrictions on vape product features that may appeal to children.
FAQs
Q: What does the WHO study suggest regarding young girls in the UK?
A: The study suggests that young girls in the UK are more likely to drink, smoke, and vape compared to boys, and England has concerning rates of child alcohol abuse.
Q: How many children were involved in the study?
A: The study examined data on approximately 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15 years.
Q: What age group has the highest rates of vaping in the UK?
A: Girls aged 15 have the highest rates of vaping in the UK.
Q: How does the UK compare to other countries in terms of underage drinking?
A: The UK, particularly England, has some of the highest rates of underage drinking when compared to other countries in the study.
Q: What measures is the UK government taking to combat underage smoking and vaping?
A: The government has introduced the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which includes age restrictions and other measures to reduce the appeal of such products to children.
Conclusion
This significant study shines a light on the trends of substance use among young people in the UK, particularly the higher likelihood of girls engaging in drinking, smoking, and vaping compared to boys. With England displaying strikingly high rates of alcohol consumption among the youth, the study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy actions. The UK government has responded with proposed legislation aiming to combat these issues and move towards a smoke-free generation. However, as the research suggests, continuing to monitor these trends and the effectiveness of preventative strategies will be critical in safeguarding the health and well-being of young people in the UK.