The latest research by the Public Health Authority of Northern Ireland (PHA) in the UK shows that over 40% of students aged 17 to 18 are currently using vapes, and 15% of teenagers are currently using vapes. PHA calls for health education to help families and educators have open conversations with teenagers to avoid the use of vapes.
Key points:
- The usage rate of vapes among teenagers: A study by the Public Health Agency (PHA) of Northern Ireland, UK, found that over 40% of students aged 17 to 18 are currently using vapes.
- Age difference: The proportion of 14th-grade students using vapes is ten times that of 8th-grade students.
- Usage trend: Currently, 15% of teenagers use vapes, while the usage rate of traditional cigarettes is relatively low.
- Motivation for use: Most teenagers try vapes because “everyone is using them”, and 40% of users report experiencing side effects.
- Family and Health Education: PHA calls for raising public awareness to help families and educators engage in open dialogue with teenagers and avoid the use of vapes.
According to a report by Belfasttelegraph on May 15th, the latest research by the Public Health Agency (PHA) of Northern Ireland, UK, shows that over 40% of students aged 17 to 18 are currently using vapes, and the number of 14th graders is ten times that of 8th graders. The research investigated over 7,500 teenagers from 91 middle schools and found that 15% of the teenagers currently use vapes, while the usage rate of traditional cigarettes is only 9%.
PHA’s “Insights into vape Behavior among Northern Ireland Teenagers” report indicates that the majority of vape users (76%) had never smoked traditional cigarettes before trying vapes, while 33% of vape users began to try traditional cigarettes after trying vapes. The main reason why teenagers use vapes is that “everyone is using them”, and other reasons include “It’s a popular behavior” and “they want to look cool”.
The report also shows that 40% of vape users reported experiencing side effects, including dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing, decreased fitness levels, stress, nausea, increased heart rate and fatigue. About two-thirds of the users have tried to quit smoking, among whom 55% said they had successfully quit smoking for some time. In contrast, the usage rate of traditional cigarettes is relatively low. Only 5% of teenagers are current smokers, 16% smoke occasionally, and 26% smoke every day.
Colette Rodgers, the head of strategic tobacco control at PHA, said that the long-term health effects of vapes are not yet fully clear, but by providing relevant information and raising public awareness of the risks, it can help families and educators have open conversations with teenagers to prevent them from using these products. She emphasized that parents and guardians can play a significant role in helping teenagers understand risks.
