A recent study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, has shown that nearly 80% of teenagers who use e-cigarettes find it "very easy" to obtain them from multiple illegal sources, while taste is the main factor driving product selection. This is the first study of its kind in Australia.
The University of Sydney's Centre and the University of Sydney are conducting a leading research project, supported by the Minderoo Foundation, aimed at investigating the experiences and opinions of teenagers towards e-cigarettes in Australia.
A survey has found that 70% of teenage e-cigarette users obtain the products for free from individuals, while 30% purchase them themselves from "friends" or commercial retail stores such as convenience stores and tobacco shops. Teenagers also reported purchasing e-cigarettes through social media, e-cigarette stores, and websites.
The committee stated that the investigation results indicate that the government's control measures aimed at protecting young people from the harms of e-cigarettes have failed.
Regardless of how teenagers obtain electronic cigarettes, they are all illegal, and yet it is happening right under the noses of federal and state authorities," Ms. Desai said. "All Australian governments have stated that they are committed to ensuring that only smokers attempting to quit with a prescription can use e-cigarettes. However, a crisis of teenage e-cigarette use is looming.
The widespread illicit use of e-cigarettes among young people, coupled with the import, retail and wholesale sales of these products, has escalated from an urgent concern to a crisis. According to Becky Freeman, the lead researcher and associate professor at the University of Sydney, the findings reflect how e-cigarettes are marketed and promoted to the youth market.
According to the survey, 32% of adolescents surveyed have tried electronic cigarettes by taking at least a few puffs. Of those who have tried e-cigarettes, more than half had never smoked tobacco before," said Professor Freeman.
Ruby Ellis, a 17-year-old teenager from New South Wales, has been vaping for three years. She acknowledges that she knew it was addictive when she first started, but didn't fully grasp the intensity of addiction until she succumbed to it herself. "Prior to being addicted, you don't really understand the full implications of addiction and how it impacts you," she said.
Ruby is just one of many people in New South Wales who currently vape and describe it as being available anytime, anywhere. "It's always around, whether someone is having a cup of coffee, studying, or even taking a break in the restroom.
Ms. Dessaix stated that urgent action is needed to effectively enforce regulations and protect all young Australians from the harm of e-cigarettes.
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