Title : Changing patterns of adolescent addictive behaviors in the US and Europe: success or substitution?
Abstract:
Objectives: This study examines changes in the prevalence of adolescent addictive behaviors between 2002 and 2022 across 39 European countries and the United States.
Methods: Data were analyzed from 15-year-old adolescents participating in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) (N = 413,621) and the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (N = 362,768). Long-term trends in addictive behaviors were assessed using indicators of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use. Additionally, short-term trends included emerging addictive behaviors such as problematic gaming and problematic social media use.
Results: Analysis of these large cross-national datasets indicates a decline in conventionally studied adolescent substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption. However, this decrease has been accompanied by a rise in newer forms of behavioral addictions, such as internet gaming disorder, social networking addiction, and problematic internet use. These shifts highlight the evolving nature of adolescent risk behaviors in the digital age.
Conclusions: While the decline in substance use among adolescents is a positive trend, the emergence of new addictive behaviors underscores the need for continuous monitoring and intervention. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals must remain informed about these trends and actively engage in addressing both online and offline risks to adolescent well-being. A comprehensive public health approach is necessary to mitigate the potential long-term consequences of these evolving addictive behaviors.
