Vaping Among Teens: A Health Concern for Malta’s Food Scene
Teenagers are vaping at significantly higher rates than adults, with WHO data showing 7.2% of 13-15-year-olds using e-cigarettes compared to just 1.9% of adults globally. This alarming trend raises concerns for health-conscious communities like Malta, where a lifestyle rooted in fresh Mediterranean cuisine and outdoor activity is central to well-being. Experts warn that vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, is becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction among youth, threatening decades of progress in reducing tobacco use. For Malta’s thriving restaurant and wellness sectors, this presents an opportunity to promote healthier habits by integrating educational initiatives and awareness campaigns into dining experiences. Restaurants could play a pivotal role by hosting wellness events or offering incentives for smoke-free living, aligning with the island’s reputation for health-focused living. As vaping continues to grow among teenagers, Malta’s families, businesses, and policymakers are called to advocate for stronger regulations and community-driven efforts to protect the next generation and preserve the island’s vibrant
Title: "Teenagers Are Vaping at Alarming Rates—What This Means for Health-Conscious Communities in Malta"
In a world increasingly focused on healthy living and longevity, a concerning trend is emerging: vaping among teenagers is skyrocketing, far outpacing rates among adults. According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 100 million people globally are using e-cigarettes, including 15 million children aged 13 to 15. This statistic is particularly troubling for health-conscious communities, including Malta, where promoting physical and mental wellness is central to daily life.
The WHO’s report reveals that while only 1.9% of adults worldwide vape, the percentage among teenagers aged 13 to 15 jumps to 7.2%—a rate nine times higher than adults. For a country like Malta, which boasts a thriving food scene rooted in fresh, Mediterranean ingredients and a culture of outdoor activity, this trend poses a challenge to fostering a holistic lifestyle that prioritizes long-term health.
Experts warn that vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, is becoming a gateway to nicotine addiction for younger generations. Etienne Krug, director of The WHO’s Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention department, emphasized, “E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction. They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”
For Malta’s restaurant and wellness communities, this raises questions about how to further integrate health-conscious choices into daily life. Could restaurants and cafés play a greater role in educating young people about the importance of nutrition, balance, and a smoke-free lifestyle? The island’s rich culinary heritage, with its focus on fresh fish, olive oil, and seasonal produce, provides a natural foundation for promoting healthier habits—especially among the younger generation. Pairing this with awareness campaigns about the dangers of vaping could help mitigate the growing issue.
While the tobacco epidemic is showing signs of decline globally—users have dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion projected for 2024—the rise of vaping threatens to reverse this progress. WHO’s director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Millions of people are stopping, or not taking up, tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by countries around the world. In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people.”
Malta can continue to lead by example in fostering a health-first mindset, incorporating educational initiatives into its flourishing hospitality sector. For instance, restaurants could offer incentives for patrons to ditch harmful habits—perhaps discounts for those who pledge smoke-free living—or host community events focused on wellness, incorporating both physical activity and nutritious dining.
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), highlighted the urgent need for regulation, explaining, “The growth in popularity of vapes has largely been due to their use as a quit aid for smoking. But in the last few years, vaping has increased among teenagers, and this needs urgent action. Products that contain addictive substances must be properly regulated.”
For Malta’s families and communities, this is a call to action. Beyond individual choices, there’s an opportunity to advocate for stronger policies that protect young people while ensuring adults have access to resources for quitting smoking. Whether through government initiatives or grassroots campaigns led by local businesses, including restaurants and cafés, there’s much that can be done to promote a healthier, nicotine-free future.
As Malta continues to celebrate its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and wellness, it’s important to ensure that the next generation is equipped to make informed choices. Let’s safeguard the vibrant, health-focused lifestyle that the island is known for—one meal, one conversation, and one choice at a time.