THE alarmingly rising trend of vaping among teenagers has become a matter of concern for parents, educators, medical experts and society at large. Social media platforms have glamorised vaping, creating a cool and trendy image that appeals to young minds. It is a misconception among the youth that vape is a safer alternative to cigarettes. The reality is that it is just as harmful and just as addictive as cigarettes are owing to the common nature of the main content; nicotine.

It is, therefore, not uncommon to hear of teenagers, even those in their preteens, being brought to hospitals due to overuse of vape. This is worse, say, than cigarettes. This happens probably because the youngsters think they are in the safe zone and may continue vaping for as long as they want, leading to nicotine overconsumption.

The popularity of vaping among the youth has given birth to a new set of challenges that require due attention of all concerned, followed by some tangible action.

We must raise awareness and work to control the rising trend that is having a seriously negative impact on our children’s health. We need to understand the causes of teenage vaping, identify the emerging health risks linked with it, and implement successful prevention measures to create an environment that prioritises their wellbeing.

We must approach this problem carefully and together to raise a gene- ration that is healthier and more informed about the lifestyle choices it makes.

Ishaa Sadiq
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2024