The Minister of Children, Social and Senior Development says it’s time to push back against the tobacco and vape industry.
The Alliance for the Control of Tobacco rolled out a new campaign associated with vaping called “The New Look of Nicotine Addiction”. It is aimed at parents and trusted adults to educate them about the risks and harms of vaping among young people.
47 per cent of students in grades 7-12 have tried vaping, with 30 per cent using vapes in the last 30 days.
Lisa Dempster didn’t hold back when talking about the industry at the launch of the new advertising campaign to address young people vaping in the province.
Lisa Dempster announces an additional $75,000 from government for ACT to enhance the frequency and duration of the campaign to reach more parents and adults. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/pzw3AS69h0
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) February 12, 2020
Dempster says tobacco and vaping industries are targeting young people. They have to push back and they’re hoping to do that with this campaign. She says vaping can lead to lifelong nicotine addiction – and everyone knows the health problems associated with that.
The Minister claims that the Department is reviewing legislation around vaping – she emphasized the temporary ban put in place in December on cannabis vaping due to the many unknown health risks.
She says the campaign is about educating parents. Dempster says many young people and parents believe vapourizers are just flavour and water, however there are harmful, cancer causing chemicals.
Vaping can be used for smoking cessation, however Dempster says some of what they’re grappling with is misinformation and myths. She says somewhere along the line the message went out that vaping was safe, and that is not the case.
For those using a vaporizer for cessation, Dempster says they can be less harmful, however still not safe.
Fighting Back Against Tobacco Industry Messaging
ACT Executive Director Kevin Coady says industries are trying to get young people hooked, and it’s an issue they’ll deal with for the rest of their lives.
Meanwhile, Vice-President of the NL Federation of School Council, Craig Tavenor says in schools they see vaping as a very popular issue.
He says it is clearly an addiction piece as it has gone from smoking cessation to addiction. He says that’s the problem, and it’s a massive health issue for everyone.
Tavenor says young people need guidance to learn for themselves and develop their own resiliency.
He says if they can be strong in their own attitudes it will be helpful. It’s important for parents to talk openly with kids, and to just listen to them.
No Vaping-Related Illnesses Reported Since First Incident
The Health Minister says there have been no other vaping-related illnesses reported after the first involving cannabis products.
John Haggie says they are unaware of new developments but they are keeping a close eye on respiratory illness in general all across the country.
As for not allowing cannabis vaping in the province, Haggie says they will continue to review it in the light of evidence.
He says the onus of proof is on the companies to show it is safe and not the assumption they should let it in anyways.
