The article discusses the rising concern of vaping among youth, highlighting its addictive nature and the importance of intervention. It outlines recent bans on vaping in several countries and acknowledges the role of organizations like WHO in regulating e-cigarette use to protect minors. Key experts stress the need for awareness and early intervention to curb this trend effectively.
The issue of vaping among the youth has garnered significant concern among health experts. Dr. Gupta emphasized that nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through e-cigarettes, resulting in dopamine release, which promotes addiction. This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents whose brains are not fully developed, potentially leading them to more severe addictions like smoking cigarettes.
Mothers Against Vaping advocates for increased awareness regarding the alarming addiction trends among the youth, who often use vapes as gateway devices. The urgent need for intervention from parents and educators in identifying early signs of addiction is critical to prevent children from engaging in such harmful practices.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Bhavna Barmi also highlighted that mere bans on vaping are insufficient without early intervention strategies. He noted that children, influenced by appealing advertisements and peer pressure, are particularly susceptible to experimenting with addictive behaviors. For instance, the illegal entry of vapes into the market makes these devices readily accessible to the youth.
Countries like Vietnam and the Maldives have joined a cohort of approximately 33 nations banning vape consumption, including India and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Belgium has taken significant steps by becoming the first EU country to prohibit the sale of disposable vapes effective January 1, 2025, addressing both public health concerns and environmental issues.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated the necessity for urgent measures to control the consumption of e-cigarettes to safeguard children and non-smokers, particularly with e-cigarettes being heavily marketed to youth through social media. The WHO has identified an alarming increase in e-cigarette usage rates among minors, surpassing that of adults in several regions.
In conclusion, the rise of vaping among children and adolescents poses substantial risks due to addiction and marketing tactics. While bans on e-cigarettes, such as those implemented in Vietnam, Maldives, and Belgium, are steps in the right direction, comprehensive strategies focusing on early intervention and awareness are essential. As WHO highlights the need for regulation, the role of parents and educators remains crucial in combating this modern public health challenge.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
