Teenagers Hooked Vaping Risks Challenges

Vaping, the inhalation of aerosol from electronic cigarettes, has been on the rise in recent years. The trend has been particularly noticeable among teenagers who are often drawn to it by the perception of being cool and rebellious. The consequences of such addiction can be grave, including severe health problems, leading to a lifetime of dependence.

This article takes a closer look at the increasing number of teenagers hooked on vaping, exploring why it’s happening, the potential harm it poses, and what can be done to tackle this rising epidemic.

The Rise of Teenage Vaping

Between 2021 and 2022, the proportion of 11- to 17-year-olds in Britain who vape rose from 3.3% to 7%, according to Action on Smoking and Health (Ash). The proportion of those who had tried vaping increased from 11.2% to 15.8%. This trend is concerning, and the rise of disposable vapes has only made it worse. In 2021, just 7.7% of teenage vapers used disposables, but by 2022, this figure had jumped to 52%, according to Ash.

Why Are Teenagers Vaping?

Teenagers are drawn to vaping because it’s perceived as cool and rebellious. Many of them start using e-cigarettes without knowing that they contain addictive substances like nicotine. In some cases, teenagers try vaping with friends and get hooked to the habit. TikTok videos and social media posts promoting vaping as an exciting and harmless activity also influence teenagers.

The Addictive Nature of Vaping

Many teenagers who start vaping do not realise the addictive nature of e-cigarettes. Even those who try to quit face withdrawal symptoms and find it hard to resist the urge to vape. Experts agree that vaping carries far lower health risks than smoking. However, this does not mean it’s harmless. Nicotine is an addictive substance, and vaping does carry some potential risks.

Potential Harm of Vaping

Ann McNeill, professor of tobacco addiction at King’s College London, points out that nicotine is an addictive substance, but it’s not the one that kills. While vaping carries lower risks than smoking, it’s not risk-free. Biomarkers of potential harm – measures of biological changes – due to vaping or smoking, indicate that vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it’s not entirely safe. The use of vapes, especially disposable ones, among teenagers who have never smoked before is concerning, and it’s something that policymakers and authorities need to address.

The Normalisation of Vaping

Teenagers see vaping as a norm, and they often follow in the footsteps of their parents and peers. This normalisation is worrisome, and it can have long-term consequences. Laura, a secondary school teacher in Tyne and Wear, notices a change in students' behaviour in class. She observes that students get edgy before break time and often sneak into the toilets to vape. The school has a zero-tolerance policy to vaping on the premises, but some parents are supportive of their children vaping and buy vapes for them.

Conclusion

The rising trend of teenage vaping is concerning, and it’s important to educate teenagers about the potential harm that vaping poses. Parents and authorities should also work together to prevent teenagers from accessing vapes. It’s vital to promote healthy habits and discourage young people from taking up harmful addictions.

FAQs

  • What are the risks of vaping for teenagers? Answer: Vaping for teenagers carries several risks, including addiction to nicotine, which can negatively impact the developing brain. Vaping devices can also malfunction and cause injuries. Moreover, the rise of disposable vapes has created a waste problem, with millions of them ending up in landfills.

  • How can parents help their teenagers quit vaping? Answer: Parents can support their teenagers in quitting vaping by having open and honest conversations about the risks of vaping, providing information on quitting resources, and modeling healthy behaviors by not using tobacco or vaping products themselves.

  • Is vaping a safer alternative to smoking? Answer: While vaping carries far lower health risks than smoking, it is not risk-free. Nicotine is an addictive substance and can have negative impacts on the developing brains of teenagers. Additionally, the long-term health effects of vaping are not yet fully understood.

  • Are disposable vapes more attractive to teenagers? Answer: According to Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), disposable vapes have become more attractive to teenagers, with the proportion of teenage vapers using them jumping from 7.7% in 2021 to 52% in 2022. Disposable vapes are also more accessible to younger audiences, which has raised concerns.

  • How can schools address the issue of vaping among teenagers? Answer: Schools can address the issue of vaping among teenagers by having clear policies that prohibit the use of vaping devices on school premises, educating students on the risks of vaping, and providing resources to help students quit. Schools can also work with parents and the wider community to raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors.