Why Teenagers Should Avoid Vaping!

The Rise in Underage/Teenage Vaping: Understanding the Risks and Curbing the Trend!

The advent of vaping has revolutionised the smoking industry, with millions worldwide making the transition from traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes. Not only are e-cigarettes around 95% safer than their tobacco counterparts, but they are also much more cost-effective. However, this growing trend has brought with it an unexpected consequence: the appeal of vibrant colours and trendy designs has caught the attention of teenagers, some of whom have started vaping. The introduction of disposable vapes has only worsened this issue, and the lack of proper ID checks at smaller retailers like newsagents has allowed this trend to gain momentum.

At Vape Shop Birmingham, we take great care to ensure that only individuals who are above the legal age of 18 purchase vaping products from us. To achieve this, we have implemented ID checks during the purchase stage, and through the use of AI technology, we can determine whether a customer is over or under the legal age. In cases where we have any doubt, we will reach out to the customer directly and request a picture of their legal UK ID (such as a driving license or passport) before fulfilling their order.

 Now, with the number of teenage vapers increasing at an alarming rate, it is crucial to address the question on everyone's mind: How can we put a stop to this trend? Before we can answer that, we need to understand why teenagers should steer clear of vaping in the first place?

Why Should Teenagers Avoid Vaping?

1. Addiction: One of the biggest dangers of vaping is the potential for addiction. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can quickly ensnare users. In fact, studies have shown that vaping can be even more addictive than smoking regular cigarettes. The nicotine found in e-cigarettes can also negatively impact the development of the adolescent brain, making it much more difficult for teenagers to quit once they start. It's a serious issue that cannot be overlooked.

2. Lung Damage: Another risk of vaping is lung damage. The lungs of those underage have not yet completely developed and therefore it is best that they stray away from anything intended for mature consumers.

3. Increased Risk of Smoking: Studies have shown that teenagers who vape are more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes. Nicotine addiction can cause users to seek out stronger forms of the drug, leading them down a path to smoking. Vaping can also normalize smoking behaviour and make it seem like a harmless activity, leading teenagers to believe that smoking is not a big deal.

4. Chemical Exposure: Liquids contain chemicals that are known to be harmful to human health. Some of the chemicals found in e-cigarettes include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. However, do not worry. Here at Vape Shop Birmingham, we strictly adhere to UK regulations and laws. As a result, all of our vape liquids/juices are TPD compliant. This means that they do not contain any harmful chemicals and have undergone extensive testing to validate our claim.

How exactly can we prevent/curb the rising trend in teenage vapers?

Preventing teenagers from using electronic cigarettes is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Below we discuss some of the strategies that can be effective in reducing the prevalence of e-cigarette use among teenagers:

• Education and Awareness: It's crucial to educate teenagers on the potential dangers of vaping and the health risks associated with e-cigarette use. By increasing awareness and shedding light on the topic, we can change attitudes towards underage vaping. Health professionals, teachers, parents, and guardians all have a crucial role to play in educating teenagers about the risks associated with vaping and nicotine addiction. It's essential to equip young people with accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

• Regulation: Although many first-world governments have introduced a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes to those under the age of 18, enforcement has been disappointingly slow. Limited resources and lack of coordination have plagued local councils and other enforcing bodies, hindering their ability to act and punish retailers both online and in physical stores who sell vapes to underage consumers.. Heavy fines can and should serve as a powerful deterrent to break the cycle of retailers who are guilty of these offences and deter others from following in their footsteps.

• Community programs: Community programs that promote healthy lifestyles and provide alternative activities for teenagers can be incredibly effective in reducing the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents. Offering access to recreational activities, sports, and community service can help keep teenagers engaged and focused on positive behaviours. These programs can provide a healthy outlet for young people to channel their energy and prevent them from turning to vaping as a form of entertainment or stress relief. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, these programs can help reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes and promote healthier choices among teenagers. Through these community initiatives, we can help prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and lead them towards a brighter, healthier future.

• Counselling and Support: For teenagers who have already started using e-cigarettes, counselling and support programs can help them quit. Counselling programs can provide teenagers with the tools and resources they need to overcome nicotine addiction and stop vaping. Support groups can also provide teenagers with a sense of community and peer support as they work to quit vaping.

• Technology Solutions: Technology solutions such as software that blocks access to websites that promote or sell e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products can be used to prevent teenagers from accessing harmful content online.