AWARENESS PROJECT: VAPING AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN (PART 1)
- Isabel Spies
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
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A University of Cape Town (UCT)-led study reveals alarming vaping rates among South African high school learners.
A groundbreaking study led by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has uncovered startling levels of vaping among
high school learners in South Africa, with nearly 30% of Grade 12 students reporting active use.
This first-of-its-kind research, involving over 25,000 learners across 52 schools,
While a significant portion of high school students are users,
there is a clear concern that usage filters down to primary school learners.
KEY FINDINGS:
PREVALENCE:
A major 2023 University of Cape Town study of over 25,000 high school students found that 16.8% currently use e-cigarettes, with the rate increasing sharply by grade.
Among Grade 8 students, around 9% reported using vapes, a figure that rose dramatically to an average of 29.5% among Grade 12 pupils.
PRIMARY SCHOOL CONCERN:
Health researchers and education departments have expressed concern that the trend is impacting younger children, with calls for education and intervention to start at the primary school level.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has noted a rise in the number of young children caught with e-cigarettes in schools.
NICOTINE ADDICTION:
The majority of youth vapers (88%) use nicotine products, and 47% reported vaping within the first hour of waking, a strong indicator of high nicotine addiction.
It is estimated that up to 61% of high school learners who vape could be seriously addicted.
REASONS FOR USE:
Initial reasons for starting vaping often include social influences, peer pressure, and curiosity.
Reasons for continued use change to managing mental distress (anxiety or depression) and addiction.
HEALTH RISKS:
Nicotine is harmful to the developing adolescent brain, affecting attention, learning, mood regulation, and impulse control, and potentially leading to long-term mental health issues and addiction to other substances.
LACK OF AWARENESS:
Many students are not fully aware of the addiction level or the dangers of vaping, often believing it to be just "water vapour" or a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.
ACCESSIBILITY AND REGULATION:
Vaping products have been easily accessible, with sales possible via mobile apps like Checkers Sixty60 or Uber Eats.
CANSA is warning young people and their parents, guardians and educators that vaping is not a safe option.
In spite of claims that vaping is a "harmless alternative" to smoking, there is ever-increasing evidence of serious health risks.
THESE RISKS INCLUDE:
Nicotine addiction,
Lung damage,
Increased likelihood of moving onto traditional tobacco products,
A new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals is being created with seemingly innocent flavoured vapes and sleek, tech-inspired designs targeting young consumers.
In South Africa, current awareness programs regarding vaping among school children are primarily led
by non-governmental health organisations (NGOs) and public health advocates, often in partnership with schools,
to educate youth on the dangers and push for stronger legislation.
The government is working on passing the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill
to provide a formal regulatory framework.
(Our next project will focus more closely on these aspects and initiatives.)
EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES:
AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS:
Public health bodies like the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) run campaigns to debunk the myth that vaping is safe and to highlight the health risks, including nicotine addiction.
SCHOOL AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
Researchers and health professionals recommend that education around the harms of vaping be integrated into school curricula from an early age.
Parents and teachers are encouraged to be aware of the signs of vaping and discuss the dangers openly with young people.
CESSATION SUPPORT:
Access to support for addicted teenagers is a key focus.
Healthcare providers are urged to screen for vape use during check-ups, and resources for quitting, such as counselling and nicotine replacement therapy, are being promoted.
If a child is already addicted, professional help is available.
Talk to a doctor or school counsellor who can recommend resources like
nicotine replacement therapies (patches or gum) or behavioural counselling.
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