Alarming Study Reveals Indian Children Beginning Substance Use at Age 13: Findings from 10-City AIIMS Research

Dec 13, 2025 11:39 pm CST

A comprehensive AIIMS-Delhi study spanning 10 major Indian cities reveals that school children are beginning to use substances, including drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, at an average age of just 13 years. The research, surveying nearly 6,000 students, found that substance use doubles by higher grades and highlights the critical need for early intervention programs. Family influence and easy accessibility to harmful substances emerge as key contributing factors to this concerning trend among Indian youth.