Parents in push for crackdown on vaping

THREE out of four Australian parents are scared their children might try e-cigarettes, with many calling for a ban on flavoured vaping products that may appeal to teens.

A Royal Children’s Hospital poll of parents found 87 per cent supported a ban on ecigarette marketing that targets teenagers, while most also wanted to see social media advertising outlawed for vaping products.

National Child Health Poll director Dr Anthea Rhodes said the study of more than 2000 parents also revealed widespread confusion over the health and risks of the devices due to the fact they were legal in Australia.

“Parents are really concerned about e-cigarette use among teenagers, and they want tougher legislation and regulations to try and minimise access to these products for children and young people,” Dr Rhodes said.

“While the majority or parents are aware of the health risks ... a third weren’t aware that e-cigarettes do contain toxins and chemicals that can be harmful. Forty per cent of parents were not aware that ecigarettes have been related to deaths.”

Nine out of 10 parents told the poll they wanted mandatory childproof packaging and health warnings on vaping products. Two thirds also were not aware e-cigarette products sold in Australia were not subject to testing or approval.

While the sale of liquid nicotine is illegal in Australia, vaping products are rampant because of under-the-counter sales and distribution over the internet.