This week we will again be taking a look at an episode from the Melbourne School of Psychological Science’s podcast.
This episode covers both the history of vapes, and how to talk to your kids about them.
Vapes are a form of electronic cigarette originally designed with harm reduction in mind. They were intended to help smokers gradually quit. However, vapes have since diversified to broaden the market of those addicted to nicotine funded by the tobacco market. Electronic cigarettes were also rebranded as vapes to remove them from the negative connotations of smoking and cigarettes.
In Australia, nicotine-containing vapes are restricted products available only through a prescription, as nicotine is considered a poison. Non-nicotine products, however, are available to those over 18.
The podcast does warn however, that about 75% of vapes advertised and sold as non-nicotine are found to contain nicotine when tested. It is also extremely common for children under 18 to be observed walking into shops and buying vapes. Sellers will also hide nicotine containing vapes in mundane items such as pizza boxes to sell them despite not being licensed.
Nicotine is not the only harmful component within a vape. A vape contains a variety of chemicals, in addition to flavourings, many of which are harmful. Cherry was noted as a particularly harmful flavour. The metal vape container itself can also degrade, introducing harmful substances into the system.
As such, greater regulation is required. Suggested in the podcast are things such as limiting the flavours available, using more medical packaging, and making them more difficult to import and move across borders. The nicotine concentration could also be reduced, as Australia currently allows five times the nicotine concentration permitted by the European Union. Disposable e-cigarettes should also be removed, as the introduction of these coincided with a sharp increase in youth usage.
Importantly, these reforms target recreational use, rather than those using vapes for medicinal purposes to assist quitting smoking. This should be particularly effective in reducing child use, as research shows that many youth initiate usage out of curiosity due to successful marketing by tobacco companies and appealing flavours.
While many youth are aware of the dangers of e-cigarettes, they believe that the benefits outweigh these. These benefits include enjoyment and social rewards. Concerningly, vaping may also escalate into cigarette use, as has been recently observed.
As far as prevention tips for parents, PsychTalks recommends open conversations between a parent and child without lecturing them. Asking about what exposure they have had to vapes and how they feel about it may be more effective then simply listing the harms.
If your child is already using, it can be helpful to start by asking why they are using vapes. If, for example, it is a method to calm anxiety, it will then be necessary to address the underlying cause before any meaningful change can occur. If social pressure is the reason, a discussion with their school may be helpful. If they are addicted to nicotine, consulting a medical professional and potentially calling a quit-line are useful steps.
Many of these tactics are also relevant to adults wishing to quit vaping.
While the rise of vapes has been a challenge for public health, it is one we can reduce the harm of through proper oversight and education.
For more information, parent guides and tips on quitting, consider checking out Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis’s work at https://www.drmichellejongenelis.com/smokingvaping
Wishing you a wonderful week,
TCS Team
Image credit: https://unsplash.com/@eliquidsuk
