This week, the Government has announced a ban on disposable vapes with the aim of reducing the number of children and young people who take up the habit and therefore damage their health.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that disposable vapes are a ‘key driver’ behind a huge rise in youth vaping. Figures from Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggest 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, which is an increase from 4.1% in 2020.
Lynn Perry, CEO of Barnardo’s, said: “It has long been a concern that children and young people are damaging their health by vaping, with colourful packaging and sweet flavours appealing to younger consumers.
“Whilst the long-term impacts of vaping are not clear, the short-term effects of vaping include mouth irritation, headaches, a cough and nausea. We also know that withdrawal from products which contain highly addictive nicotine can cause anxiety, headaches and difficulty concentrating. During a crippling youth mental health crisis, this is the last thing our children and young people need.
“Barnardo’s welcomes the Government’s announcement to ban disposable vapes and we hope this will reduce the number of children and young people taking up the habit. This is a step towards to creating a smokefree generation which will greatly improve children’s health. We hope to work with the Government to include the voices of children and young people to help ensure this legislation is workable in the long term.”
Notes to editors:
Last year Barnardo’s provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK.
We provide vital support to the children and families who need us most, to help with a range of issues including mental health, child sexual abuse and children in care.
We listen to children and young people and work to bring about positive change so that they can have a brighter future.
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