Youth Vaping, Smoking, & Nicotine Use
1 in 10 Canadian youth aged 15-19 vape.
The rise of youth vaping presents a multifaceted challenge rooted in various factors. Vaping's allure among young people can be attributed to several key elements, including aggressive marketing tactics employed by the vaping industry, often referred to as "Big Vape."
Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach, including robust regulations, comprehensive education campaigns, and targeted interventions to curb youth vaping and protect the health of future generations.
Vape marketing
Big Vape has strategically targeted youth through enticing advertisements, colourful packaging, and the promotion of trendy, sleek vaping devices. The availability of a wide array of enticing flavours further contributes to its appeal, making vaping seem fashionable and harmless. However, the reality is far from benign.
The accessibility of vaping products, particularly through online channels, has made it easier than ever for young people to experiment with these devices, bypassing age restrictions and regulatory measures.
Nicotine
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in vaping products, poses significant health risks, particularly to the developing adolescent brain. Studies have shown that nicotine exposure during adolescence can lead to lasting cognitive and behavioural impairments, affecting learning, attention, and impulse control.
Vaping & smoking
While vaping may offer a potentially less harmful alternative for adult smokers trying to quit, its unintended consequence has been the rapid uptake among youth, drawn in by the allure of novelty and social acceptance.
Even more concerning, a recent survey revealed that of young people who have tried vaping and smoking, those who began vaping first were more likely to try smoking, indicating that vaping use can actually lead to cigarette smoking.
What we’re doing
Policy recommendations
In partnership with members of the Alliance, we’ve proposed the following measures to reduce and prevent youth vaping:
Increase minimum age for purchase to 21
Prohibit flavoured vaping products, except for tobacco-flavoured products
Implement compulsory cost recovery mechanism on tobacco manufacturers to fully fund Manitoba’s youth vaping prevention and reduction efforts
Partnership with student-led STAND program
Sisler Teens Against Nicotine and Drugs (STAND) is a program designed and led by students to educate their peers about the issues of drugs, including vaping. Working with STAND, we’re developing tools and resources they and other student groups and schools can use.