The Rise of E-cigarette Among Australian High School Students

Jul.18.2024

One-third of Australian high school students use e-cigarettes, with a rise attributed to COVID-19 and easy access.

According to a report by Baotintuc on July 18th, data from the Australian Department of Health shows that on average, one-third of high school students in Australia will use e-cigarettes in the years 2022-2023.

The head of the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, Associate Professor Becky Freeman, said that in recent years, especially before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in the proportion of high school students using e-cigarettes as schools close and public health focuses on epidemic control. Disposable high-nicotine e-cigarette products have become extremely popular in Australia.

Freedman believes that one of the reasons for the popularity of e-cigarettes among young people is that these products are marketed as being distinct from traditional cigarettes. In addition, traditional cigarettes are expensive and have health warning images on them, while e-cigarettes do not have these features. Young people perceive e-cigarettes as safe and socially acceptable.

Professor Freeman also pointed out that while the law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes in retail stores outside of pharmacies, the actual "black market" sales make it easy for teenagers to obtain these products.

References:

[1] Báo động tỷ lệ thanh thiếu niên Australia hút thuốc lá điện tử

Also Read:

[1] Erin Dale Appointed Interim Commissioner for Illegal Tobacco Industry

[2] Australia Bans E-cigarette Sales Outside Pharmacies in Landmark Law

[3] Police Crack Down on Illegal E-Cigarette Trade Including IGET in Western Australia

[4] China's E-cigarette Export to Australia in May 2024

[5] Australia: from October 1, 2024, Individuals Using E-cigarettes for Treatment No Longer Need Prescription

[6] Controversy over E-cigarette Sales in Australian Pharmacies

#Disposable e-cigarettes #Australia #Regulation #Oceania

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