The government of England has launched a consultation to reduce the number of children using vapes in the country. The official investigation will gather advice and views from doctors, schools, and companies that sell vapes. The government’s latest plans include the introduction of “tough new measures” to tackle the illegal sale of vapes to under-18s, including the creation of a vapes enforcement squad that will crack down on people selling them to teenagers.
Although most teenagers in England do not use vapes, doctors are concerned about the increasing number of children who use them. The NHS reported that 9% of secondary school pupils between the ages of 11 and 15 use a vape regularly or occasionally, up from 6% in 2018. This article will explore what vaping is, why people are concerned about it, and how the government is planning to tackle the issue.
What Is Vaping, and Why Are People Concerned About It?
Vapes, also known as electronic or e-cigarettes, are small devices that contain a liquid with nicotine and other chemicals. When heated, the liquid creates a vapor that the user inhales. Vapes are viewed as a good alternative for adults who smoke cigarettes to help them stop smoking as they do not contain tobacco, which is harmful.
The government encourages adult smokers to switch to vapes and is giving one million smokers free vaping starter kits to encourage them to give up tobacco products. However, concerns have been raised about the increasing number of children getting their hands on vapes. The government is worried about the rise in youth vaping, especially with the increasing use of disposable vaping products.
How Is the Government Planning to Tackle This?
The government of England is planning to make it harder for children to illegally buy e-cigarettes in the country. It will provide more details on its plans to address the issue, including the £3 million funding it will provide to tackle the issue. The new enforcement squad, composed of trading standards officers, will target shops selling vapes to under-18s.
The government is also calling for help in identifying how best to prevent children from vaping. Neil O’Brien, the government’s health minister, stated, “The new illicit vapes enforcement squad will work across the country and clamp down on those businesses who sell vapes to children - which is illegal - and get them hooked on nicotine. Our call for evidence will also allow us to get a firm understanding of the steps we can take to reduce the number of children accessing and using vapes.”
The government aims to prevent people from smoking and to support them to quit smoking. Vaping is a better alternative for adults, but it should not be used by children. The new measures aim to protect the youth from the dangers of vaping.
FAQs
Are vapes better than cigarettes?
Vapes do not contain tobacco, which is harmful, making them a better alternative to cigarettes for adults who want to quit smoking. However, they should not be used by children.Why is the government concerned about the increasing number of children vaping?
The government is worried about the rise in youth vaping, especially with the increasing use of disposable vaping products. It is essential to protect the youth from the dangers of vaping.What is the government’s plan to tackle the issue?
The government is planning to make it harder for children to illegally buy e-cigarettes in the country. It will provide more details on its plans to address the issue, including the £3 million funding it will provide to tackle the issue. The new enforcement squad, composed of trading standards officers, will target shops selling vapes to under-18s.Is vaping harmful?
Vaping can still be harmful, especially to children and young adults, as their brains are still developing. Vapes contain nicotine and other chemicals that can lead to addiction and harm to the lungs and other organs. It is important to limit the use of vapes and prevent children from accessing them.Can vapes help smokers quit smoking?
Vapes are viewed as a good alternative for adult smokers who want to quit smoking, as they do not contain tobacco, which is harmful. However, it is essential to note that vapes can still be addictive and may not be the best option for everyone.
