Tobacco and nicotine industry tactics addict youth for life
World No Tobacco Day 2024 will spotlight young people urging governments to protect them from predatory tobacco marketing. The industry targets youth for lifelong profits, driving a new wave of addiction. Globally, an estimated 37 million youth aged 13–15 years use tobacco, with children using e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults.
WHO and STOP, a global watchdog, are launching the report “Hooking the next generation,” which reveals how the tobacco industry designs products, runs marketing campaigns, and shapes policies to addict youth. The report shows that 20% of 15-year-olds in the WHO European Region used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, e-cigarettes and new nicotine products threaten youth and tobacco control efforts.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, condemns the industry for targeting children with candy-flavoured products, calling it a harmful and addictive trap. Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion, highlights the use of child-friendly flavours and toy-like designs to attract young users.
WHO urges governments to implement strong regulations, including smoke-free public places, bans on flavoured e-cigarettes, higher taxes, and increased public awareness of industry tactics. Youth advocates worldwide are exposing these practices and demanding a tobacco-free future, delivering a powerful message to policymakers to protect future generations from tobacco and nicotine addiction.
By collaborating, governments, health organisations, civil society, and empowered youth can ensure a future free from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine.
