Teen vaping rates in South Africa are skyrocketing, with a recent study showing nearly 30% of Grade 12 students vape. Experts warn of an imminent health crisis due to high nicotine addiction levels among youth, while proposed legislation to regulate these products remains pending in Parliament.
Key Takeaways:
- High Prevalence: 16.8% of surveyed students vape, rising to nearly 30% in Grade 12.
- Addiction Signs: Almost 47% of student vapers use their device within an hour of waking.
- Easy Access: Teens report buying vapes easily from major retailers and delivery apps without ID checks.
- Legislative Lag: The Tobacco Control Bill aiming to restrict displays and packaging is still pending.
Teen vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents, a trend that has rapidly outpaced traditional smoking among South African youth. A new study and local reports from the North Coast highlight a growing addiction crisis, with experts warning of long-term consequences for the developing brain.
Alarming Statistics: Vaping Eclipses Smoking in Schools
A 2024 study by the University of Cape Town (UCT), covering 25,000 pupils across 52 schools, paints a concerning picture. While tobacco cigarette use was reported at just 2%, 16.8% of students identified as vapers. This prevalence increases significantly with age, reaching nearly 30% among Grade 12 pupils, and spiking as high as 46% in some specific schools.
Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit, a leading expert in tobacco research, emphasized the addictive nature of these products. “Nicotine use during adolescence can harm the developing brain, with potential long-term effects on learning, memory and attention,” he stated. The study found that nearly 47% of student vapers engaged in the habit within an hour of waking, a classic sign of nicotine dependence.
Voices from the Ground: Easy Access and Hidden Habits
Local teens on the North Coast confirmed the normalization of vaping. Rex Hunt, founder of an addiction recovery center, noted that teens often underestimate the dangers, with reports of children as young as six being found with devices.
Interviews with local students reveal a casual attitude towards acquisition and use:
- Accessibility: One 16-year-old boy claimed he buys vapes via UberEats or through an older brother, noting that “most cashiers don’t really care” about checking IDs. Another 18-year-old mentioned buying them freely from major retailers like Pick ‘n Pay and Checkers.
- Usage Habits: A 15-year-old girl admitted to vaping in school bathrooms during breaks, while a 17-year-old girl cited anxiety relief as her initial motivation, now replaced by an inability to quit.
- Addiction: An 18-year-old student candidly remarked, “I don’t even get head rushes anymore because I vape so much,” illustrating high tolerance levels.
Legislative Hopes and Delays
Experts and advocates are pinning their hopes on the proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. This legislation aims to treat vaping similarly to smoking, expanding smoke-free zones, enforcing plain packaging, and banning point-of-sale displays. However, the bill has not yet completed the parliamentary process, leaving a regulatory gap as the trend continues to grow.
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