POLICY BRIEF

Title: Stop Addiction to Vaping through Education (S.A.V.E)

Executive Summary: The use of e-cigarettes among teens has been on an upward trend within the last few years. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC (2020), the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults (CDC, 2020). As CDC further observes, nicotine is a key ingredient in most e-cigarettes. Various research studies have clearly indicated that nicotine is not only highly addictive, but is also a major health risk. It is important to note that nicotine, according to the American Heart Association (2015), can cause an increase in blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries may also contribute to the hardening of the arterial walls, which in turn, may lead to a heart attack. The American Heart Association also points out that there could even be more nicotine in some e-cigarettes than is the case in normal cigarettes. The relevance of taking deliberate measures to safeguard the wellbeing of our young people cannot be overstated. It is for this reason that a harm minimization approach has been recommended: a sensitization campaign aimed at promoting youth awareness on the various harms of vaping.

Introduction: We have a responsibility to advance societal ideals that have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our youth. Available research clearly indicates that vaping is not as safe as it is made to appear in various marketing campaigns. There is need to counter the effect of deceptive adverts and ensure that the harms of vaping are highlighted in clear and certain terms.

Problem Description: From the onset, it is important to note that according to CDC (2020), nicotine is a key ingredient in most e-cigarettes. The harms of nicotine have been well-documented in various studies. The US Department of Health and Human Services (as cited in CDC, 2020) categorically points out that nicotine is highly...…as anti-vaping adverts, the war against this unhealthy habit will be half won. However, to enhance chances of success, the relevance of stakeholder involvement cannot be overstated. This is to say that all the relevant stakeholders should be actively involved in not only policy formulation, but also policy implementation. Key stakeholders in this case include, but they are not limited to; education institutions, both the state and the respective local governments, parents, teen influencers (i.e. popular celebrities), etc.

Conclusion: In the final analysis, it is clear that there is need for action in as far as discouraging teen vaping is concerned. This is more so the case given that present research clearly indicates that e-cigarettes contain significant levels of nicotine a chemical which in not only harmful to health, but also intensely addictive. It therefore follows that the relevance of a sensitization campaign aimed at enhancing youth awareness on the various harms of vaping cannot be overstated. This is…