On March 26th, according to The Guardian Australia, the Commissioner for Children and Young People in South Australia, Helen Connolly, submitted a report to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a drug regulatory agency, which included results of a survey conducted by her office on tobacco use among 950 teenagers aged 13-19. The teenagers expressed a desire for the government to implement measures to help them quit smoking.
Teenagers suggest implementing measures to restrict electronic cigarettes.
According to a recent investigative report, a 16-year-old girl claimed that she was able to purchase electronic cigarettes at a gas station for a cheap price without being required to show proof of age.
The teenager wrote, "There is a real need to implement restrictive measures so that they are not readily available, and then this addiction to smoking will be forced to stop.
Another 15-year-old girl wrote: "Don't treat children with nicotine addictions as monsters. You may be able to help addicted adults, but you won't be helping children.
A 17-year-old girl wrote: "Some of us do not use tobacco products to look cool, some of us are really struggling with addiction, or use tobacco products as a way to relieve stress.
Helen Connolly | Source: IGEA website
According to an article by Kono Li, both nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes should be banned from import unless they are sold in pharmacies, based on the reactions of the young people being surveyed.
She also wrote that these products should be tested, labeled and certified appropriately, packaged normally, and all flavored e-cigarettes should be banned.
Connelly added, "We must avoid punishing children and young people, while ensuring that all children are provided with information and support, especially for those who may depend on or be addicted to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.
The Minister of Health has stated that action will be taken.
On March 23rd, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will submit recommendations to the government on how to amend electronic cigarette laws to address the issue of rising usage, particularly among young people.
Mark Butler | Source: ABC News
As previously reported by 2FIRSTS, the Australian Health Minister, Mark Butler, addressed the domestic issue of electronic cigarettes, stating that smoking-related problems have "exploded" in the past few years and are "completely unacceptable.
Although he didn't provide a specific date for the release of the full report on TGA's recommendations to the government, or when any reforms would be implemented, he did state that "we know this is an urgent time for taking action.
In April of this year, Butler will be holding his second tobacco control roundtable meeting where he will discuss the TGA's proposal with state health ministers.
Further Reading:
Australia may implement a comprehensive ban on imported electronic cigarettes.
Experts on tobacco control from Australia are calling for a ban on the commercial sale of electronic cigarettes in the country.
Reference(s):
A group of Australian teenagers is calling on the government to assist them in breaking their addiction to vaping.
Helen Connolly is the Commissioner for Children and Young People in South Australia.
Health Minister Mark Butler has expressed his openness to an independent investigation regarding allegations of the misuse of Medicare.
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