Rising e-cigarette usage among minors in Cyprus

Recent data presented by Minister of Health Neofytos Charalambidis in response to a parliamentary inquiry reveals a significant increase in e-cigarette usage among minors in Cyprus. The report highlights that the phenomenon often begins before the age of 13, with marketing tactics, flavors, and social media influence cited as primary drivers for the growing appeal among younger demographics.

According to the ESPAD 2024 survey, 15.1% of students aged 15-16 use e-cigarettes daily, a marked rise from 9.8% in 2019. Further data from the HBSC 2021/2022 survey indicates that 38.2% of 15-year-olds have tried vaping at least once. Statistics also show that when combining conventional tobacco and electronic cigarette use, 23% of students aged 15-16 have consumed such products within the last 30 days, with girls reporting a higher usage rate of 27% compared to 20% for boys. Cyprus currently records daily usage rates that exceed the European average reported by ESPAD.

Parliamentary members Odysseas Michaelides and Litsa Drousiotou initiated the inquiry to address the public health concern. While specific new legislative actions were not detailed, the data serves as a formal acknowledgement of the escalating trend that has worsened significantly over the past five years, necessitating a review of prevention and awareness measures in schools.