The government has announced plans to introduce a new tax on vaping products and ban disposable vapes to address concerns about youth vaping. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes, health experts caution against non-smokers taking up vaping due to potential long-term health risks, especially for young people. The new vaping products duty, starting in October 2026, will vary based on nicotine content. Additionally, the ban on disposable vapes is expected to take effect in early 2025, with measures to make all vapes less appealing to young people, including restrictions on flavours, plain packaging, and changes to display methods in shops.
What do you think are the most effective strategies for reducing vaping among young people while ensuring access to harm reduction tools for smokers?
Education plays a key role here; raising awareness about the potential risks associated with vaping, especially for non-smokers and young individuals, can help deter uptake. Implementing strict regulations on marketing, advertising, and flavors can also make vaping less appealing to youth.
I feel like a collaborative approach is needed, between government agencies, healthcare organisations, schools, community groups, and advocacy organisations where they all share best practices, and coordinate efforts to maximise impact. also making vaping seem less ‘cool’ as I feel like a lot of people do it nowadays to fit in
I think banning would only make people crave it more, as naturally we crave most stuff we can’t have. Raising awareness of bad effects of vaping can help, but can’t imagine how to prevent teenagers and younger generations from wanting to do it still🙃
It’s interesting to see how the government is taking steps to address youth vaping while still ensuring access to harm reduction tools for smokers. What do you think are some innovative ways to discourage young people from vaping without limiting access for adult smokers who are using vaping as a means to quit traditional cigarettes?