According to a report by Daily Mail on February 15th, the National Health Service in Scotland (NHS) is prescribing nicotine patches and gum to teenagers as young as 13 due to concerns about the increasing number of children using e-cigarettes.
In the past two years, doctors have prescribed over 1000 treatments for underage individuals addicted to nicotine. In 2018, the number of adolescents aged 16 to 18 receiving smoking cessation therapy increased by nearly 60%.
Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, the Conservative Party spokesperson on health matters in Scotland, expressed deep concern over 13-year-olds being prescribed nicotine replacement products. He criticized the Scottish National Party for their lack of action in addressing the issue of e-cigarette addiction, which has led to thousands of children becoming addicted. He called on the government to ensure that the upcoming law banning disposable e-cigarettes is effectively enforced.
Data provided to the Sunday Mail by the Scottish Department of Public Health shows that in 2023, 166 children aged 13 to 15 were prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, while 289 prescriptions were given to teenagers aged 16 to 18. In 2024, 116 children aged 13 to 15 received prescriptions, while 461 teenagers aged 16 to 18 were prescribed nicotine replacement products, representing a 59% increase from 2023.
Currently, NHS Scotland provides seven nicotine replacement therapies including gum, patches, lozenges, and sprays. These therapies work by gradually reducing addiction through therapeutic nicotine doses that do not contain harmful chemicals found in cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
A spokesperson for the Scottish government stated, "Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the most effective methods for managing nicotine dependence, approved for use by those aged 12 and over. We are actively addressing the issues of youth smoking and e-cigarettes, and working collaboratively with the UK government and other regions to promote the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Act, which will gradually increase the age for product sales and create a smoke-free generation.
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