The number of people in Ireland using e-cigarettes is on the rise, according to new research, which also indicates that the average age of those starting to use e-cigarettes is between 13 and 15 years old.
Katelyn Benson, a contributor for the youth-oriented website SpunOut, reported that the smallest e-cigarette device she has heard of was used by an eight-year-old child.
However, this is an unusual case because according to her statement, researchers at the Irish Cancer Society typically find that young people start using e-cigarettes in secondary school around the age of 14 or 15.
She said that they were vaping in the bathroom, blowing away the smoke, and then coming out. The teachers couldn't say anything because there was genuinely no smell.
She added that many e-cigarettes are disposable and can be thrown away after being used, which means that young people can actually use e-cigarettes without their parents knowing.
Electronic cigarettes also have other appeals for young people.
According to Ms. Benson, they taste similar to candy and are not as expensive as a standard pack of cigarettes. They also come in a variety of colorful packaging, with each having its own distinct color.
According to a study conducted by the Irish Health Research Institute in secondary schools, the use of electronic cigarettes by teenagers has increased from 23% in 2014 to 39% in 2019.
According to the director of the research institute, Luke Clancy, the main reasons cited by teenagers for smoking are curiosity and peer pressure.
He said that the decrease in the average age of cigarette smokers among Irish youths could be attributed to electronic cigarettes.
Nearly 70% of teenagers surveyed in their latest study indicated that they had never used tobacco products prior to trying electronic cigarettes.
According to Professor Clancy, e-cigarettes could pose potential risks for adolescents.
The developing brain – an immature brain – will be negatively impacted by nicotine, regardless of the intensity. Nicotine directly affects the brain and has harmful effects on the immature brain," he said.
Professor Kransey also warned of the dangers of inhaling flavors. Any electronic cigarette vapor containing flavors is likely to directly harm the lungs," he said.
One of the solutions he proposed to address the rising trend of youth e-cigarette use is age restrictions and a clearer understanding of the risks posed by these products.
Colin O'Gara, director of addiction services at St. John of God Hospital, has stated that there are psychological reasons behind the trend of younger individuals using e-cigarettes.
He says that teenagers are ultimately exposed to new behaviors, and whenever there are new behaviors, he believes that teenagers will become curious and want to participate.
He added that in Ireland, we lack effective regulations on e-cigarettes, combined with the innate curiosity of teenagers. In my opinion, this has led to an increase in smoking rates among this group.
Currently, the Irish government is drafting a bill that aims to prohibit the sale of nicotine products to minors.
Earlier this summer, the Oireachtas committee proposed a ban on flavored and brightly-packaged e-cigarettes. Vape Business Ireland, a trade organization representing e-cigarette shops, stated that this move would delay the critical ban on e-cigarette products for those under 18 years old.
According to VBI spokesperson Eoin O'Boyle, the organization has been calling for a ban on the sale of all tobacco products to young people since 2015.
Regarding the proposed ban on all flavors except tobacco, Mr. O’Boyle stated that he would prefer these products to be viewed as tools for individuals who seek to quit smoking, "just not marketed in the same way as other products.
Mr. O'Boyle stated that packaging and advertisements are strictly regulated in Ireland and the European Union.
He said that we hardly allow advertising of electronic cigarette products on mainstream media or social media platforms.
Despite these restrictions, e-cigarette videos have a prominent presence on platforms such as Douyin, with the hashtag "#vape" having over 10 billion views. This indicates that social media plays an important role in promoting e-cigarettes.
Ms. Benson stated that many young people look up to celebrities who, unfortunately, have become addicted to electronic cigarettes and the like. Therefore, she believes that social media has a profound influence.
She further stated that this is almost considered to be the norm nowadays. I believe the government needs to address this issue because over time, it is truly becoming more and more problematic.
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