A troubling trend has emerged among teenagers in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, putting their health at risk. Contrary to expectations, it’s not illicit drugs but the seemingly innocuous habit of vaping that’s gaining popularity among youths.
While smoking is strongly frowned upon during school hours, parents who spoke with Newcastillian News, noted that, unlike cigarettes, vaping has become socially acceptable among the younger generation.
Also, unlike cigarettes, vaping does not smell like tobacco products, allowing minors to enjoy their habit without raising suspicions or concerns from parents.
Adding to the conversation, a 15-year-old learner from Newcastle observed how vaping had become a norm even within school premises, with children casually using these products. As per the teenager, these same children state that they use their vapes at home with no recourse from their parents.
After discussing the matter with various Moms and Dads, there appeared to be a misunderstanding regarding these seamlessly innocent products. Despite perceptions of reduced harm compared to cigarettes, vaping poses significant health risks.
With this in mind, Discovery pointed out that an analysis of data from poison centres around the USA showed an alarming increase of over 1 400% (between 2011 and 2014) in calls relating to e-cigarette poisoning in young children, more than half of which concerned children under the age of 5.
Moreover, Discovery further highlighted that vaping carries ultra-fine chemical particles into the lungs. “Vapers inhale large amounts of toxic metals, including lead, in the aerosols, reports a study in Environmental Health Perspectives. These metals apparently leak from the e-cigarette coils,” stated Discovery.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) further highlighted that e-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and harmful to a person’s health.
“Whilst long-term health effects are not fully understood, it has been established that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders. Use of e-cigarettes can also affect brain development and lead to learning disorders for young people,” said WHO.
Adding to this, the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa stated that vaping not only contributes to cancer, but has also been linked to hair loss, and erectile dysfunction.
Delving into the rising number of children using e-cigarettes, WHO Director for Health Promotion, Dr Ruediger Krech said, “E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16 000 flavours. Some of these products use cartoon characters and have sleek designs, which appeal to the younger generation. There is an alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes among children and young people with rates exceeding adult use in many countries.”
Such is the situation, WHO noted that children 13–15 years old are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in all WHO regions.
Furthermore, the dangers of vaping are of such a level that according to the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, a total of 39 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes as of October 2023. Countries that have banned the use of e-cigarettes within their borders include:
- Australia
- Norway
- Japan
- Thailand
- Jordan
- Argentina
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- Mexico
- Cambodia
In conclusion, with various parents shocked by the data readily available on these trending products, it would appear that a lack of information on vaping has resulted in parents allowing their kids to partake in products which are not innocent in their effects on the human body.
Additionally, like smoking cigarettes, schools need to up their game in combating the use of vapes during school time, for the safety of the children under their care. Nevertheless, as concerns mount over the implications of teenage vaping, what are your perspectives on the matter?
Share your insights in the comments below.
Comments 1
When I heard my boy was vaping. 14 at the time. Had a serious discussion with him, through his dad off course. Pointing out the dangers. The effect of vaping on teens. Did a Google search for images of the damage on the organs and yes made very sure it’s graphic. Shocking in fact. Pointed out lungs can collapse and yes that is a reality. The brain too is harmed during the teen years because of vaping. It doesn’t fully develop and can cause long term issues.
He disposed of it immediately. Thankfully.
He confessed to his father that he is vaping and his father told me in return in confidence. The language I used at the time. Not to be repeated! But he told me in confidence as he wanted information about vaping. And did I give him information. Practically bombarded him with it. So he realized it’s not harmless. Not fine.
But then also realized peer pressure is a reality for teens. Focus on pointing out the dangers. And then teach your child how to cope with peer pressure.
Lots of people think vaping is harmless. The people that sell it will tell you it’s absolutely safe. His father wanted information from the shop that sold it. Turned out he had no idea how bad it really was. After he had all the information he returned to the shop and shocked even the owner with all that information. But the truth is. In reality it’s just as bad if not worse than cigarettes.