In Germany, a worrying trend has been recorded: young people are increasingly choosing electronic cigarettes over traditional ones. Health experts warn that vaping is not a safe alternative but is becoming a new risk factor for the younger generation.
The History of Addiction: From Tobacco to Flavors
30-year-old Antonia S. (name changed) is a prime example of how consumer behavior is changing. Having started smoking at 18, she tried to quit several times, but success only came after switching to vaping. Now she prefers watermelon-flavored liquid. A 10-milliliter bottle, which is equivalent to about 60 cigarettes, lasts her only a week.
"I feel better, but the addiction has become much stronger than with regular cigarettes," the girl admits. According to her, vaping allows one to smoke "anytime and anywhere," as the sweetish smoke does not smell bad and does not cause conflicts indoors. Antonia notes that she no longer needs to go outside for a puff, which was previously strictly taboo.
Statistics: Rising Consumption Among Teenagers
Antonia's case reflects the general picture that worries German doctors. According to the latest data, smoking prevention in the country is losing its effectiveness. In 2025, almost one in ten teenagers aged 12 to 17 smokes. Four years ago, this figure was only about 6%.
The situation with electronic cigarettes is even more dramatic: almost 7% of teenagers in this age group regularly use vapes. This is more than a twofold increase compared to 2021 figures.
Government Opinion: A Dangerous Turning Point
Hendrik Strek, the German government's drug commissioner who initiated the study, sees this as a dangerous turning point. In his opinion, vaping often becomes the "gateway" to nicotine addiction, which in the long term returns teenagers to regular tobacco.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment confirms the danger: 13 additives have been identified that are harmful to health and can cause cancer. In Germany, 360 people die daily from the consequences of nicotine and tobacco use.
Recommendations and Industry Position
To combat the epidemic, Strek proposes a comprehensive set of measures: ban flavors attractive to young people, increase tobacco taxes and direct the revenue to the healthcare system, and tighten age control for buyers. The reminder that persons under 18 are prohibited not only from buying but also from storing nicotine-containing products (including non-nicotine vapes) sounds particularly relevant.
The tobacco industry, in turn, is trying to defend its position. The Association of E-cigarette Traders states that their products are not intended for teenagers. Citing scientific consensus, they claim that vapes are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes and can serve as an alternative for adult smokers, although they are not completely harmless.