Drinking and Smoking in decline for 'Generation Sensible'

Young people are shunning alcohol, tobacco and even sex.

A study conducted by the Office of National Statistics found a decline in Smoking and Drinking habits in people aged 18 to 24.

Only around half of 18-to-24 year olds were found to have drank alcohol in the previous week, while less than a quarter of 18 to 24-year olds to have a smoking habit.

When the Office for National Statistics started measuring drinking habits in 2005, they found that around two-thirds (66%) of young people had had a drink in the previous week. However, by 2017, this figure had fallen to 53%, with women more likely (57%) to have drunk alcohol than men (50%).

The decline in smoking among young people since 2000 has been more dramatic, perhaps impacted by governments around the UK banning smoking in workplaces and enclosed public spaces, raising the legal age and introducing compulsory plain packaging.

The study also found that today's millennials aged 18 can expect to live longer, with most reaching their 90s.

Hugh Stickland, Deputy Director, Strategy & Engagement said: “This analysis shines a light on what it’s like to be 18 in 2018 and the reasons why we think it is important to start and join conversations around social and economic concerns in the UK.

"Young people spend more time computing and gaming, and the amount of time they spend socialising has decreased since the millennium.

"However, they are also the healthiest age group - smoking and drinking less than they did at the turn of the century.” 

Visit the National Statistical blog to see the many ways ONS is working to give the UK better statistics for better decisions, https://blog.ons.gov.uk.