Could the complete eradication of smoking be a possibility?
Trends Shift: Germany's Declining Smoker Population Raises Question of a Smoke-Free Future
In the past, smoking was a symbol of coolness and modernity, widely accepted in German society. However, recent statistics indicate a significant reduction in smoking rates, particularly among the younger generation.
Once regarded as a sign of social privilege and emancipation, smoking has become increasingly undesirable. This trend is evident in the fact that smokers were nine out of ten men in the early 1950s, while only two out of ten women smoked during the same period. However, over the decades, smoking rates have converged for both men and women, and have seen a substantial decline since the 2010s.
The transformation in attitudes towards smoking can be attributed to increased public awareness, stricter advertising regulations, and the segregation of smoking areas in public spaces. In 2007, the first federal states implemented smoking bans in restaurants, while schools, cinemas, and discotheques, once smoker-friendly spaces, have gradually turned smoke-free.
The selling of tobacco products has also seen a decline. Despite the growth in popularity of e-cigarettes, tobacco heaters, and water pipes in shisha bars since the 2000s, the consumption of water pipes has decreased since 2018, while e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters continue to gain traction, albeit at a slow pace.
The younger generation, in particular, is increasingly turning away from smoking. In the early 2000s, almost three out of ten 12- to 17-year-olds were smokers. Currently, fewer than one in ten fall into this category. In 2007, the age limit for purchasing tobacco products and smoking in public was raised from 16 to 18. A recent survey suggests that only seven out of a hundred young people identify as regular or occasional smokers, making young adults in Germany one of the demographic groups with the highest non-smoker percentage.
Worldwide, the trend towards a smoke-free population is observed. While some countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, have seen increasing smoking rates, the majority have experienced a decline. The European Union aims to reduce tobacco consumption to less than five percent of the population by 2040 with its "Tobacco-Free Generation" target. Countries like Belgium, Finland, France, and Ireland are leading the way in this initiative.
However, despite current measures showing an effect, the smoking rate is only moderately decreasing. The study's authors recommend "new, innovative strategies and measures" to achieve the goal of a smoke-free society. The battle against smoking seems far from over.
The European Union's strategies for achieving a smoke-free population include banning appealing product features (flavours, disposable e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches), implementing stricter packaging and tax policies, combating tobacco industry interference, and setting ambitious long-term goals with national roadmaps. This multi-pronged strategy is supported by advocacy and public awareness campaigns, and addresses social inequalities to ensure progress is equitable across all population groups.
Sources: ntv.de
As the younger generation moves away from smoking, there's a growing emphasis on education and awareness about health-and-wellness, contributing to a decline in smoking rates in Germany and globally. This shift in attitudes towards smoking has opened up opportunities for advancements in science, particularly in the field of tobacco control, aiming to create a smoke-free future.
The EU's approach to tackling smoking combines education, regulation, and the development of innovative strategies, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the importance of education in health-and-wellness and the role it plays in shaping society's attitudes and behaviors.
