European teenagers today are less likely to engage in traditional substance use such as alcohol and illegal drugs compared to past generations. However, concerns are growing about rising vaping rates, problematic social media use, and online gambling among adolescents, according to a new regional survey on youth behavior.
1. Alcohol Consumption Falling, But Early Drinking Persists
Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among European teens, but the trend is declining. Both overall alcohol consumption and binge drinking have dropped over the past 20 years. Despite this progress, heavy drinking remains widespread in some countries. For example, more than half of teens in Denmark (55%), Germany (49%), and Austria (48%) reported heavy drinking.
One key concern is early exposure. The study found that three in four adolescents have tried alcohol, and one in three had their first drink at age 13 or younger. Early alcohol use is linked to higher risks of dependency and health problems later in life.
Expert Tip: Parents and schools can play a vital role by fostering open discussions about alcohol risks and setting clear boundaries. Education and early conversations about peer pressure and safe choices are essential.
2. Illegal Drug Use Slowly Declining
Cannabis remains the most commonly tried illegal drug in Europe, used by 12% of students. This marks the lowest level since 1995, signaling a gradual decline. Boys are still more likely to try cannabis than girls, though the gender gap is narrowing.
Other drugs like cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA) were used by around 2% of students. Use of hallucinogens and amphetamines was even lower. Overall, 13% of European teens have tried illegal drugs, with a noticeable decline since 2015.
However, drug use patterns vary significantly by country—from as low as 3.9% in Georgia and Moldova to as high as 25% in Liechtenstein.
New Concern: A growing number of teens are misusing prescription drugs. About 8.5% have taken tranquilizers or sedatives, and nearly 7% have used painkillers recreationally.
Health Tip: Misusing prescription medication can lead to serious physical and psychological harm. Parents should securely store medications and encourage teens to speak openly about peer influences.
3. Vaping Gains Popularity, Especially Among Youth
While smoking traditional cigarettes is decreasing among teens, vaping is rapidly becoming the substitute of choice. Easy availability, sweet flavors, and the misconception that vaping is “safer” than smoking contribute to its popularity.
Though specific figures on vaping were not included in this summary, health authorities across Europe report rising usage rates, especially among adolescents.
Wellness Insight: Vaping still exposes users to addictive nicotine and harmful chemicals. Health professionals advise setting strict age limits, educating students on the risks, and promoting nicotine-free lifestyles through youth programs.
4. Teen Gaming and Social Media Habits Shift
Video gaming remains popular among teens, with four out of five reporting they play at least once per month. The gender gap in gaming is narrowing: 71% of girls now game, up from just 22% in 2015. Boys still dominate in playtime, but girls are quickly catching up.
Social media usage, however, is more problematic. Nearly half of teens say they struggle with controlling their social media use, leading to concerns about mental health impacts.
Girls are more likely to feel that their social media habits are harmful, but the increase in negative effects has been greater among boys over the past decade.
Mental Health Tip: Encourage screen-free time in the evenings and use digital wellbeing tools to monitor usage. Setting family “tech curfews” can help restore healthy sleep patterns and reduce anxiety.
5. Teen Gambling Still Widespread Despite New Regulations
Despite tougher rules in many European countries, nearly one in four teens reported gambling for money in the past year. Common activities include lottery games, slot machines, sports betting, and dice games. A significant 65% of teen gamblers do so online, often through mobile apps or websites.
Boys are more likely to gamble than girls, and country-specific rates vary dramatically—from 9.5% in Georgia to 45% in Italy.
Policy Alert: Even with improved protections, gambling remains accessible to minors. More efforts are needed to monitor online platforms and enforce age verification.
Family Strategy: Parents should openly discuss the risks of gambling and explain how games of chance work. Teaching teens about money management and digital responsibility can be a strong preventative measure.
Conclusion
Today’s teens are increasingly steering away from traditional risky behaviors like binge drinking and drug use. However, new concerns are emerging around vaping, digital dependency, and online gambling. These behaviors may be less visible, but their long-term effects on health and development are significant.
Practical Parenting Advice: Building trust, setting consistent boundaries, and staying informed about new trends can empower both parents and teens. Healthy dialogue, community support, and access to early intervention resources are key tools for helping young people make safe, informed decisions.
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