The data on the use of electronic cigarettes by children and adolescents in Cyprus are shocking, as shown by the answer of the Minister of Health, Neophytos Charalambides, to a relevant question by the MPs of the Alma Movement, Odysseas Michaelides and Litsa Drousiotou.
According to the most recent epidemiological data, 16% of students aged 15-16 in Cyprus have used conventional cigarettes in the last 30 days, while when e-cigarette use is taken into account, the percentage amounts to 23%, compared to 28% of the corresponding average of ESPAD. In fact, the percentage of girls (27%) significantly exceeds that of boys (20%).
Of particular concern is the fact that Cyprus records a higher rate than the European average of the ESPAD survey in daily use of e-cigarettes.
The HBSC 2021/2022 survey also shows an increase in use with age. Among 15-year-olds, 38.2% said they had used an e-cigarette at least once in their lives, while 7.7% were classified as frequent users in the last 30 days.
As far as young adults (student population) are concerned, based on the survey conducted in the year 2021, the use of e-cigarettes at least once was reported by 57% of students.
Global alert from the WHO
According to WHO data for 2026, 15 million adolescents aged 13-15 use e-cigarettes worldwide. The WHO also reports that, in countries where data are available, adolescents are on average 9 times more likely to use e-cigarettes than adults.
The WHO points out that there are about 16,000 different flavours in vaping/nicotine products. Sweet, fruity and "candy" flavours increase attractiveness, especially for children and teenagers, and are associated with experimentation, initiation and continuation of use.
Social media and influencers are an important means of reaching young people. The WHO reports that e-cigarettes are promoted through social media and influencers, while in 2025 it reported that content promoting e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated products had over 3,4 billion views on social media.
Measures in schools and a break line
To deal with the phenomenon, the National Strategy for Dealing with Addictions 2021-2028 is being implemented.
However, the Ministry of Health places special emphasis on prevention through the programs of the School Medical Service.
According to the minister, the School Medicine Service provides counselling and students who wish support for quitting can be referred to the competent smoking cessation services.
Students who wish to quit vaping are referred to the Smoking Cessation Services, at the hotline number 1431.
Furthermore, the Cyprus Addictions Authority (AAEK) in cooperation with the Ministries of Education and Health has proceeded to create an institutionalized control procedure in accordance with the existing legislation, for the use of tobacco products in the school environment. In this context, a relevant form has been prepared that will be completed by the Commentators in collaboration with the School Management. The purpose of this form is to record whether the management and staff implement specific prevention, health education and surveillance measures. It will operate in a guiding way on what should be implemented so that each school premises function as a "space free of any tobacco product". The form has been communicated with a relevant circular through the Ministry of Education to all schools of Secondary General and Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training for implementation from this school year.
In the meantime, there is also the "Workshop of Life" program aimed at Primary Education students from A to Sixth Grade, which aims to prevent experimentation and the onset of smoking from a young age, through interactive and experiential interventions.
Supply to minors is prohibited
In his answer, the minister emphasizes that the current legislation prohibits the supply of e-cigarettes to minors.
Furthermore, asked what age verification obligations exist today, he explains that "the possible adoption of additional measures, such as a uniform policy of mandatory authentication for persons who appear below a certain age limit, compulsory staff training, recording of sales refusals or systematic trial purchases, is a matter of policy and, where necessary, legislative regulation and should be examined by the competent bodies".
What applies to online sales
Asked about the measures being implemented, the competent minister emphasizes that the current legislation provides for a ban on cross-border distance sales of e-cigarettes and refill containers to consumers.
The control of online sales, age verification, the import and distribution of products and their delivery concerns more than one competent authorities. For a comprehensive mapping of the implemented mechanisms, coordinated information is required from the Health Services, the Customs Department, the Consumer Protection Service and the Police, according to their competence.
