In a compelling opinion piece, Eero Merilind highlights the troubling trend of nicotine addiction among young Estonians, driven by the increasing normalization of vaping and substance use as coping mechanisms for stress and dissatisfaction. He notes that more and more parents are discovering vaping devices in their children's belongings, suggesting that this issue is becoming pervasive among the youth. Merilind underscores that every day that adolescents rely on substances like vaping to manage their pressures represents a lost opportunity for their development and well-being.

Recent statistics indicate that Estonia has one of the highest rates of e-cigarette use among youth in Europe, with alarming figures particularly among girls under 13, where 37% are reported to have vaped. The situation is equally concerning among boys, with 29% admitting to the same. This trend not only reflects a growing addiction amongst children but also points to a larger consumer market that is being fed by the widespread availability and appeal of nicotine products. The implications are severe, as young individuals are becoming dependent on these substances at an age when their cognitive and emotional development is still progressing.

Merilind references a recent study commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs, reinforcing the notion that access to nicotine products is alarmingly easy for youths, with nearly 89% of young people stating that it is simple for them to obtain such products. This accessibility, combined with systemic societal pressures, raises concerns about the long-term health and societal impacts of nicotine addiction on future generations in Estonia. It emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to address the underlying causes contributing to this epidemic and to promote healthier coping strategies among the youth.