WHO warns tobacco targeting youth, urges stricter rules

Global health authorities marked World No Tobacco Day on Sunday with urgent warnings that tobacco and nicotine companies are increasingly targeting children and adolescents with flavored products and sophisticated digital marketing. The World Health Organization estimates at least 40 million children aged 13 to 15 worldwide currently use at least one tobacco product, with young people up to nine times more likely than adults to use newer products like e-cigarettes.

This year’s theme, “Unmask the appeal,” focuses on exposing industry tactics designed to attract young users. Officials said companies deliberately engineer products with flavors, sleek designs, and social media campaigns to create addiction early. In some regions, surveys indicate between 80 and 90 percent of young people report seeing tobacco advertising, much of it now online where regulation is challenging.

The WHO urged governments to implement stronger measures, including comprehensive bans on advertising and flavored products, higher taxes, and stricter regulation of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The agency highlighted that over 1.3 billion people globally use tobacco, with approximately 80 percent living...