Korean teens face rising health risks as harmful habits spike in adolescence

A long-term study has revealed worrying trends in the health of Korean adolescents. Researchers found that harmful habits, such as drinking, smoking, and poor diet, worsen as students move through school. The findings also highlight the lasting impact of these behaviours on lifelong health.

The study showed that 60.8% of Korean teenagers had tried alcohol, with over a third consuming at least one full glass. Smoking rates also climbed sharply—from just 0.35% in sixth grade to 9.59% by the second year of high school. For the first time, e-cigarette use among high school girls exceeded that of traditional cigarettes.

Peer influence and permissive parenting were identified as key factors in early smoking and drinking. The transition from elementary to middle school was marked as a particularly risky period for exposure to harmful substances.

Beyond substance use, the research uncovered broader health concerns. Breakfast skipping reached 33%, while only 13.5% of adolescents met recommended physical activity levels. Mental health issues, including smartphone overdependence and anxiety, were also widespread.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will extend the study for another three years. Their goal is to track how adolescent habits affect health in adulthood.

The findings confirm that lifestyle choices made during adolescence shape long-term health outcomes. With the KDCA continuing its research, further data will clarify how early behaviours influence adult wellbeing. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions during critical school transitions.