Monaco’s teenagers are moving away from traditional vices like smoking, drinking, and drug use, but they're now facing a new challenge: excessive screen time and vaping. As a Monaco native, I’m well-positioned to analyze the results of the recent European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), which sheds light on the evolving behaviors of young people in the Principality.
On January 29, 2025, I attended a press event at Lycée Albert Ier, where officials from IMSEE presented the latest ESPAD data collected from Monaco’s 15-year-olds and older. The findings reveal a significant shift in how today’s youth are engaging with substances and technology.
Looking back to my own school years in 2015, drinking and smoking were commonplace for teens, almost considered rites of passage. Today, however, wellness trends and social media have flipped this narrative. Being health-conscious and sober is now in vogue.
According to the 2024 ESPAD survey, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption among Monaco’s youth have reached historic lows. Cigarette experimentation has dropped to under 50%, marking a stark contrast to 71% in 2011. Meanwhile, daily smoking is down to just over 11%. Alcohol use is also declining, with only 85% of students admitting to having consumed alcohol—down from 90% in previous years.
However, vaping has surged in popularity. Over half of the teens surveyed have used e-cigarettes at least once, with a substantial number becoming regular users.
Interestingly, the shift away from substances correlates with an increase in digital engagement. The survey now includes questions about sleep patterns and screen time, and the results highlight a worrying trend. Many teens are reporting poor sleep, with 42% rarely feeling rested, and more than 60% spending several hours a day on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Even more concerning is the growing awareness among teens of their own screen addiction. Around 68% acknowledge that they spend too much time on social media—an issue they recognize but struggle to break free from.