A new government-funded campaign is being launched to dissuade under-18s from using e-cigarettes, with the help of social media influencers and a research project to investigate the health risks of vaping.
The campaign, which will use YouTube and Instagram to reach young people, has been prompted by alarming statistics showing that one in five 11-17 year olds have tried vaping and one in ten secondary school students occasionally or regularly use e-cigarettes.
“We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking but it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people,” said Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton.
The research project, worth £62m, will track 100,000 young people over ten years to provide definitive proof of how vaping affects children’s health.
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Asthma + Lung UK, warned that vaping could put developing lungs at risk and expose young people to nicotine, which can damage developing brains.
Dr Mike McKean, Vice-President for Policy of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, added: “Vaping can be very addictive and lead to a lifelong relationship with nicotine, and the chemicals within these products are very likely to be particularly harmful to young, developing lungs.”
The government has also announced plans to limit the flavours and packaging of e-cigarettes that can be used, as well as displays deliberately designed to appeal to children, as part of the tobacco and vapes bill.
Influencers Big Manny and Bodalia, a doctor and DJ, have signed up to the campaign, which aims to use social media to reach young people and highlight the health risks of vaping.
“We cannot remain silent about the dangers of vaping,” said Dalton. “We must do more to stop young people from starting to vape in the first place.” see original https://www.theguardian.com/