The UK government has rolled out a new campaign using social media influencers to discourage young people from vaping. The campaign, which will be promoted on Instagram and YouTube, seeks to inform young people of the possible health risks of using e-cigarettes. Science influencer Big Manny, who has 1.6 million Instagram followers, and Dr Bodalia, a medic and DJ, are leading the initiative. This is the first formal government-sponsored program aimed specifically at deterring under-18s from vaping.

Ministers have acted following shocking statistics revealing a rise in the number of young people vaping. One in five 11- to 17-year-olds has tried vaping, and between one in ten secondary school pupils use vapes from time to time or regularly, research suggests.

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Government’s Stance on Youth Vaping

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton launched the campaign with a large-scale research study examining the long-term health effects of vaping among young people. “We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking but it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people,” Dalton said.

Health Concerns and Expert Warnings

The increasing use of vaping by non-smokers, particularly children, has raised alarms among health professionals. Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, highlighted the risks, saying, “The number of non-smokers, particularly young people, taking up vaping is extremely worrying. It is already known that vaping can cause inflammation in the airways, and people with asthma have told us that vapes can trigger their condition. Vaping could put developing lungs at risk, while exposure to nicotine – also contained in vapes – can damage developing brains. This is why young people should be stopped from taking up vaping in the first place.”

In addition, Dr. Mike McKean, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health vice-president for policy, made a dire warning, “Vaping can be very addictive and lead to a lifelong relationship with nicotine, and the chemicals within these products are very likely to be particularly harmful to young, developing lungs. I often worry that the full effects of these toxicities are unlikely to be known for many years, and by the time the full adverse effects are apparent it may be too late to reverse.”

Crackdown on Youth Vaping

The government’s vapes and tobacco bill will see strict controls implemented to deter e-cigarettes from being attractive to kids. This includes restricting flavors, changing packaging, and limiting how the products are displayed in shops.

To better know the effects of vaping on youth, the government is investing £62 million into an in-depth study. In the next ten years, scientists will follow 100,000 youths to determine once and for all how vaping influences their well-being.

With social media influencers at the forefront, together with expert-issued warnings and fresh legislation, the UK government is moving aggressively to stem youth vaping. The campaign identifies the severe health threats posed by e-cigarettes and seeks to discourage a new generation from being addicted to nicotine.