Rising Use of E-Cigarettes Amongst South African Students

Nov.16.2022
Rising Use of E-Cigarettes Amongst South African Students
More than a quarter of South African pre-university students use e-cigarettes due to high pressure, a preliminary report reveals.

Source: A preliminary report by the University of Cape Town, as reported by Jacaranda FM, reveals that over 25% of pre-college students have been found to use e-cigarettes due to high levels of pressure.


A survey conducted in 2016 found that only 2.9% of teenagers aged 15-19 were using e-cigarettes. However, in recent years, the number of students using e-cigarettes has been rapidly increasing.


According to a report by News24, Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit, a lung specialist at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT, claims that it is not yet known why students are taking a liking to using e-cigarettes, but it appears to be a "popular fashion trend".


Some studies indicate that many students start smoking because friends and family members are using it, and they claim that it can alleviate stress.


In addition, students of all ages and many adults have also noticed an increase in the number of people using this product.


We need to stop advertising to minors and prohibit sales to those under the age of 18. This is a start; it won't solve the problem completely, but it will be helpful," said Van Zyl-Smit.


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