October 28, 2024 – Minsk, Belarus – Over the past two decades, the number of Belarusian schoolchildren smoking traditional cigarettes has decreased by a factor of five, according to recent data from the Ministry of Health. However, this decline has been offset by a surge in the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes), which have become increasingly popular among adolescents.
The Ministry of Health conducted a survey of approximately 3,500 schoolchildren across Belarus, revealing that 15% of teenagers now use vapes. The older the students, the more prevalent vaping becomes, with one in five 9th graders reported to be using vapes. Notably, girls are vaping at higher rates than boys, while many boys perceive vaping as largely harmless.
A significant concern raised by the survey is that 80% of schoolchildren believe that electronic cigarettes are safe, with many showing no intention of quitting the habit. Despite a 2022 law prohibiting the sale of vapes, vape devices, and related liquids to minors, 50% of adolescents reported that they have had no difficulty purchasing these products in stores.
The rise in vaping among teenagers has prompted renewed discussion about stricter regulations. This past summer, the Council of the Republic of Belarus debated the possibility of a complete ban on electronic cigarettes in the country.
