Flavored smoke is choking children's future; vaping is a deadly addiction that is preying on teenagers.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Vaping (e-cigarettes) has become a major trend among the teenage generation these days. It's often seen as cool, tech-savvy, and a safer alternative to cigarettes. However, the reality is that this hobby is actually the beginning of the destruction of children's minds and futures. The new generation, which considers vaping a subculture, starts it due to peer pressure and to remain "cool" in society, but they don't understand when to stop.

creating illusions

Its popularity among teenagers is rapidly increasing due to online sales, internet media trends and the myth that it is safer than cigarettes. Flavors like fruit and mint attract teenagers. There is a misconception that e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes and that they help in weight loss or increase focus. E-cigarettes are actually a modern form of nicotine addiction, which is harmful to health. Nicotine consumption during adolescence has serious and adverse effects on the developing brain

Teachers are unaware, parents are worried

To reduce the cigarette addiction among children, restrictions were imposed on the sale of cigarettes around schools and colleges. Parents were relieved and so were the teachers, but the mistake was that like every time, here too the loop came out in the form of e-vaping. The size of e-cigarettes is often like a pen drive, due to which parents and teachers are unable to recognize it and children easily hide it in their bags. From parties organised in the name of good results to farewell, sometimes secretly and sometimes openly teenagers can be seen smoking from vape pens.

What is vaping?

Vaping is the process of using a small device, such as an e-cigarette or vape pen, where a battery-powered heating element heats a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine and flavorings and turns it into a vapor, which the person inhales.

Despite the ban, the illegal market is flourishing.

Despite a ban on the manufacture, sale, and import of e-cigarettes in India since 2019, they remain available through illegal means. Violating the vaping ban even for the first time carries a punishment of one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 rupees, or both. Repeated violations can result in three years in prison and a fine of 500,000 rupees.

• Vaping addiction is 16 times more common among teenagers than among older people.
• 23 percent of Indians are using e-cigarettes.
• Around 150 million children aged 13 to 15 years are using e-cigarettes worldwide (World Health Organization).

Dangers of Vaping

• Asthma, popcorn lung, and other lung problems
• Increases blood pressure and can narrow arteries.
• Weakened immunity, slowed oxygen supply, DNA damage, and slowed brain development
• Skin problems, weakening and yellowing of teeth

communicate like this

It's wrong to think that discussing vaping will attract children. Just as sex education doesn't promote immorality, discussing vaping doesn't promote it. Instead of preaching, ask questions and seek their opinions. It's important to discuss health, hygiene, and emotional well-being openly. If a child is vaping, instead of panicking or getting angry, see it as an opportunity to help them. Instead of treating children in a threatening manner, empathy and open communication can help them break habits like vaping. Understand that vaping is similar to quitting smoking. If necessary, consult a doctor, counselor, or psychologist. Seek nicotine replacement therapy. Encourage children to distance themselves from peers and friends who encourage vaping. Avoid vaping triggers.

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