Tobacco smoking among children continues to be a serious public health concern in Bulgaria. According to a study of risk factors conducted by the National Center for Public Health and Analysis, over 30% of students have tried smoking cigarettes, Nova TV reports. More than 40% of them lit their first cigarette at the age of 14-15.
The data show that 27.9% of girls and 21.5% of boys are current smokers, with this harmful habit being most prevalent in the 15-19 age group. In addition, a significant number of the children in question are heavy smokers – 63.1% among girls and 51.3% among boys.
The study also shows that the attention of teenagers aged 13-15 is increasingly directed towards new tobacco products. At the time of the survey, 10.8% of students used electronic cigarettes and 16.9% smoked hookah.
In addition to the problems with smoking, the study also found a trend of a decreasing age of onset of alcohol consumption. 62.6% of children aged 10-19 have tried alcohol.
48.0% of children consume alcoholic beverages (48.2% of boys and 47.8% of girls), with use being more common among 15-19 year olds. Of these, 1.7% of boys and 1.1% of girls drink daily, and 46.6% admit to reaching for a cup "sometimes".
In 2024, 36 new psychoactive substances (NPS) were identified in Bulgaria. The reported substances come in a variety of physical forms, including powdered substances, liquids, food products such as candies and cupcakes, vapes and smoking liquids, as well as resins.