What's happened
A World Health Organisation study reveals that girls in the UK are drinking, smoking, and vaping more than boys, with England topping the global charts for child alcohol use. Scottish boys have the highest rate of cannabis use among 15-year-olds. The UK also has the worst rate of child alcohol abuse globally.
Why it matters
The findings of the WHO study are alarming, indicating a significant issue with underage substance use in the UK. This poses a serious public health threat and calls for immediate action to address the root causes and provide support to young individuals at risk.
What the papers say
The Independent and The Guardian report on the WHO study, emphasizing the concerning rates of underage substance use among children in the UK. The Scotsman provides insights into the specific statistics for Scotland, highlighting the high prevalence of vaping and cannabis use among teenagers.
How we got here
The study by the World Health Organisation examined data from 280,000 children aged 11, 13, and 15 from 44 countries, revealing worrying trends in underage substance use. The UK's high rates of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use among children underscore the need for comprehensive interventions and support systems.
Common question
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment