Potential Smoking Ban Ahead?
Declining Smoking Rates: A Look at the Changing Landscape
Once a symbol of rebellion and freedom, smoking is becoming increasingly obsolete among the German populace, particularly the younger generation. This shift can be traced back to the 1950s when smoking was widespread and highly regarded in German society.
In the past, smoking was seen as a sign of modernity and self-confidence, with men being priveledged as smokers in society. For women, smoking was initially considered taboo, but by the 1960s, it became associated with emancipation and "coolness." This trend was reflected in fashion and pop culture, with film icons like Audrey Hepburn embodying smoking as a lifestyle choice.
By the beginning of the 1950s, nine out of ten men reported regular tobacco consumption, compared to two out of ten women at the time. However, in the following decades, smoking rates for men and women began to converge. Since the 2010s, the proportion of smokers among both men and women has declined significantly. The question now is, will there soon be no smokers at all?
The decline in smoking can be attributed to various factors. With the advent of the 2000s, awareness campaigns intensified, tobacco advertising was restricted, and smokers were segregated from non-smokers in public places. Cigarette prices increased, and smoking was gradually banned in schools, cinemas, discotheques, and other public spaces.
While it is difficult to quantify the influence of each measure individually, statistics show that smoking is gradually becoming a niche phenomenon. The sale of cigarettes has decreased significantly over the years, with e-cigarettes, tobacco heaters, and water pipes in shisha bars becoming more popular since the 2000s. However, water pipe consumption has decreased significantly since 2018, while e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters continue to increase, albeit at a low rate.
It is the younger generation that is showing the most significant aversion to smoking. Around the turn of the millennium, nearly three out of ten 12- to 17-year-olds smoked. Nowadays, it is less than one in ten young people. The age limit for purchasing tobacco products and smoking in public was raised from 16 to 18 years in 2007. According to a 2023 survey, only seven out of a hundred young people described themselves as regular or occasional smokers.
Globally, the proportion of smokers in the population has decreased in almost all countries, with the exception of countries like Jordan and Egypt. Even in Indonesia, the 280-million-strong population, the number of smokers has increased since the turn of the millennium. Some countries have set the goal to completely eliminate smoking in their population. The European Union aims for a tobacco consumption of 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 the EU.
While current measures have shown some effect, the smoking rate is only decreasing moderately according to a 2024 study. The study's authors recommend "new, innovative strategies and measures" to achieve the goals. The battle against smoking is far from over, and it remains to be seen whether smoking will eventually become a relic of the past.
If you too are interested in quitting smoking, tune in to RTL's "Finally Non-Smoker!" show with Wolfram Kons, Lilly Becker, and Christian Häckl on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
Sources: ntv.de
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[1] World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Tobacco use in adolescents: an Public Health Emergency. WHO Report.[2] World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Tobacco, a Major Risk Factor for Non-Communicable Diseases. WHO Fact Sheet.[3] European Commission. (2021). Tobacco Control Policies in the European Union. European Commission Report.[4] Global Market Insights. (2020). Smoking Cessation and Nicotine De-addiction Market Size By Product (Nicotine Replacement Therapies [Patch, Gum, Lozenges, Inhalers, Sprays, Sublingual Tablets], Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems [Vaporizers, E-cigarettes]), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast 2020 – 2026.
Education plays a crucial role in the ongoing decline of smoking rates. Schools have been instrumental in teaching students about the dangers of smoking and the importance of health-and-wellness, helping to foster an attitude of aversion towards smoking among the younger generation.
Moreover, the increased awareness of the connection between science and the negative effects of smoking on one's health has contributed to the change in attitude towards smoking. With a better understanding of the risks involved, an increasing number of people are choosing a healthier lifestyle, rejecting smoking and prioritizing their education, health, and wellness.
