Rise in Teen E-Cigarette Use Sparks Public Health Concerns

Sep.07.2022
Rise in Teen E-Cigarette Use Sparks Public Health Concerns
10% of English high school students use e-cigarettes, causing concern for public health and addiction to nicotine.

According to official data that indicates the scale of e-cigarette popularity in the country, one in ten secondary school students in England currently use e-cigarettes.


Teenagers are avoiding tobacco and instead opting for trendy electronic devices, which have become the newest must-have accessory to brighten up classrooms. Their popularity has dramatically increased and raised concerns that the UK is slowly sleepwalking into a public health "disaster".


Leading experts expressed concern today over the popularity of these small items (priced at only £4), accusing manufacturers of targeting children with colorful packaging, fruit flavors, and trendy names.


A new call is also demanding the abolition of advertising regulations. The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health is calling for strict action to prevent "generations" from becoming addicted to nicotine.


NHS Digital conducted a survey last year on the smoking, drug use, and alcohol habits of nearly 10,000 students between the ages of 11 and 15. The study found that 9% of students currently use e-cigarettes, which is the highest on record since the survey began in 2014.


Girls appear to be driving this trend, with their e-cigarette use rate doubling over the past three years, while boys' e-cigarette use rate has remained steady for the past five years.


Experts have also criticized the rise of social media, on which videos demonstrating vaping techniques have received millions of views. A government-funded report this year found that nearly half of users had watched e-cigarette videos on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat. Additionally, children's companies have been targeted for their promotion of vaping products.


Although the popularity of electronic cigarettes has increased, with a 50% growth rate in just three years, the proportion of students smoking traditional cigarettes has remained stable. Currently, one in every 33 students smokes, compared to a peak of one in four during the 1990s.


Statement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended for industry exchange and learning purposes only.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the contents. The translation of this article is only for industry communication and research purposes.


Due to limitations in the translation abilities, the translated article may not completely reflect the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on all domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan-related, and foreign-related statements and positions.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
According to Haypp’s 2026 UK Nicotine Report, women are a key growth driver in the UK nicotine pouch market. Overall sales for Haypp and Northerner rose 60% year‑on‑year in 2025, but purchases by women surged 202%, versus 25% for men. Women’s share of consumers jumped from 22% to 40%. The report attributes this to discretion, perceived health benefits, and more gender‑neutral product positioning, suggesting future growth will come from a broader range of adult nicotine users.
Jul.01
UK Parliament Briefing Puts Vape Hardware Design and Materials in Regulatory Focus
UK Parliament Briefing Puts Vape Hardware Design and Materials in Regulatory Focus
The UK Parliament’s Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) has published a scientific briefing reviewing current evidence on the health effects of vape device components, including heating elements, power settings, metals, plastics, batteries and e-liquid ingredients, signalling growing regulatory attention to device design and whole-product systems beyond e-liquids, flavours and packaging.
Special Report
Jun.29
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on May 13 criticized the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration for approving the sale and marketing of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time, while also allowing some illegal vaping products to remain on the market. He also linked the regulatory shift to the departure of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, saying White House pressure on regulators to approve tobacco product applications could create serious public-health consequences.
Regulations
May.15
Imperial Brands Launches 2ml+10ml blu MAX 6000 Vape System
Imperial Brands Launches 2ml+10ml blu MAX 6000 Vape System
mperial Brands has launched blu MAX 6000 in the UK, positioning the product as a higher-puff vape kit with longer-lasting use and replaceable pod+refill options. The device uses a 2ml+10ml click-on box format, with starter kits priced at £10.99 (approximately $14) and replacement pod+refill packs priced at £7.99 (approximately $10).
Market
May.19
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
Vapesourcing Lists RELX Creator Pro 15K as “Coming Soon,” Shows U.S. Warehouse Shipping Options
2Firsts found that U.S.-facing and cross-border vape retailer Vapesourcing has created a product page for the “RELX Creator Pro 15K Disposable Vape Kit 3%,” marked as “Coming Soon.” The page lists U.S. warehouse shipping options, but does not show that the product is currently available for purchase.
Market
Jun.08
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 18 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at over $175 million were seized during “Operation Red Mist,” a joint enforcement initiative involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the FDA. The operation primarily targeted maritime vape shipments originating from China and focused on combating illicit importation, transportation, and distribution activities.
Regulations
May.14