The latest results from the 2024 ESPAD (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) study indicate a decline in traditional substance use among high school students in Monaco, but highlight a concerning rise in electronic cigarette consumption…
Conducted in April 2024, with the results announced this week, the survey covered 1,300 students aged 15 and 16 across all educational institutions in the Principality, achieving an impressive 90% response rate. The results provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of Monaco’s prevention policies and allow for comparisons with 35 other European countries participating in the study.
One of the key takeaways from the survey is the notable decrease in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use. For the first time, less than half of high school students reported having ever smoked in their lifetime—down from over 55% five years ago to just 36% in 2024. Alcohol consumption has also seen a decline, while cannabis use has dropped significantly, with fewer than one in six students reporting ever experimenting with the drug.
However, the trend is not entirely positive. The most concerning statistic from the study is the sharp increase in the daily use of electronic cigarettes. Although e-cigarettes were already present in previous surveys, their use has now surpassed that of traditional cigarettes, with more high school students vaping regularly.
Beyond substance use, the study also examined behavioural patterns, particularly in relation to excessive internet and social media use, which has escalated in 2024. Experts warn that compulsive behaviours—whether substance-related or digital—can lead to addiction-like effects, including withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, mood disturbances, and sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation was identified as a widespread issue among Monaco’s youth, with many students struggling to wake up feeling alert and well-rested.
Photo by Rubén Bagüés