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Government launch public consultation to tackle youth vaping
The consultation, which launched today, is open to anyone, of any age, in the UK and people have eight weeks to share their opinions and experiences to help shape future policy on vaping and smoking.
The proposals being consulted on include restricting child-friendly flavours and bright coloured packaging, making sure vapes are kept out of the sight of children, and whether increasing the price will reduce the number of young people using them.
Recent figures show the number of children using vapes in the past three years has tripled, and these trends are reflected globally. According to Action on Smoking and Lung Health (ASH), 20.5% of children aged between 11 and 17 having tried vaping in 2023.
There has been a surge in vaping amongst children, which is why we’re taking action to reduce the appeal and availability of vapes. Vapes should never be used by children and we’re committed to reversing this trend.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay
We also need to take bold action to protect future generations from the harms of smoking addiction, which damages health at every stage of life and costs the economy billions.
We welcome today’s consultation on vaping to protect children and teenagers from potential nicotine addiction and lung damage. As well as restricting the marketing and sale of vapes to young people, we urgently need more research into the long- and short-term effects of using vapes, particularly for those with lung conditions like CF.
David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust
We welcome today’s consultation on vaping announced by the government. It is clear we must urgently act to stop children accessing vapes. Disposable vapes at their current pocket money prices, with cartoons and bubble-gum flavour options, are far too attractive and easy for children to access. We also want to see restrictions on the marketing of vapes and on flavours so that they do not target children.
Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK
If you’re a smoker and you want to quit tobacco, vaping can be a helpful way to give up smoking. But for children and those who don’t smoke, starting to vape isn’t a good idea, especially if you have a lung condition.