Ban f lavoured vapes or more children will become hooked
NHS’s warning to pupils as vaping ‘rife’ in Scots schools
FLAVOURED vapes could be banned amid concerns over the soaring number of children in Scotland addicted to e-cigarettes.
Experts say a range of flavours – including bubblegum ice, cotton candy, cola and popcorn – sold at pocket-money prices are particularly appealing to youngsters.
Fears over the increasing number of under-18s using electronic cigarettes have prompted demands for Holyrood to take steps to tackle the public health menace.
The calls for action come as the Scottish Government prepares to publish a report on potential curbs on the advertising and promotion of vaping products following a three-month consultation.
Scotland’s leading tobacco charity – which helps to shape Government policy – has now called on Ministers to follow Ireland’s lead and consider banning all vapes with fruit or sweet flavours.
Sheila Duffy, chief executive of ASH Scotland, said: ‘The sweet flavouring of disposable vapes, along with their vibrant colouring and cheap prices, make these products extremely attractive to children.
‘We are reassured the alarming upsurge in children vaping is being taken seriously by the Minister for Public Health. No option should be off the table. This includes considering prohibiting the flavouring of vapes to reduce their appeal.’
The Scottish Mail on Sunday told last month how pupils as young as eight will be taught about the dangers of vaping.
While e-cigarettes were initially hailed as a less harmful alternative to smoking for adults trying to quit, many youngsters are using them, despite it being illegal to sell vapes to under-18s.
The battery-powered devices heat a liquid – often containing highly addictive nicotine along with a flavouring – and turn it into an inhalable vapour.
ASH’s youth survey this year showed vaping rose among 11 to 17-year-olds from 4 per cent in 2020 to 7 per cent this year, while 52 per cent of youngsters who vape favoured disposable e-cigarettes – up from 7 per cent in 2020. With disposable vapes sold for as little as £1.50 online, the NHS, schools and trading standards are all taking action to tackle the issue.
Ireland has recommended a ban on flavoured vapes, while they are already prohibited in Finland, Denmark and parts of Canada.
The Scottish Government report due out this month is expected to announce curbs on the display and advertising of e-cigarettes.
Ms Duffy added: ‘ASH Scotland looks forward to seeing the details of restrictions that will be brought in.’ A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are concerned by the increasing number of young people gaining access to vape products.’