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E-cigarettes: Neglecting student well-being opens door to vaping menace
View(s):Sri Lanka faces a mounting crisis as vaping gains popularity among its youth.
Alarming rates of student uptake have prompted nationwide concern, sparking urgent calls for action to address the issue before it spirals out of control.
National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) official Ranjith Wickramasighe revealed that arrests have been made in Kekirawa and Anuradhapura, targeting individuals selling vaping products to school students.
Collaborating efforts between the NDDCB and Sri Lankan police have intensified, drawing up strategies to curb the prevalence of vaping among students. Strict penalties await those caught selling, importing, or exporting vaping products to minors, as per Sri Lanka’s National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act.
Different shapes and sizes: Vaping devices seized by Customs recently Pic by T K G Kapila
However, concerns linger over the availability and distribution of these harmful substances.
Teachers’ union leader Joseph Stalin voiced the necessity for government intervention to address drug trafficking.
He also said that the school system itself has come under scrutiny, with criticisms levelled at its exam-centric approach, neglecting the holistic development and well-being of students, and this has caused them to look for other ways and use drugs. “Schools should focus more on the well-being of the students than only on the exams.’’
Mr. Stalin stressed the necessity of addressing the root causes of the vaping epidemic in Sri Lanka.
He emphasised the government’s responsibility for stemming the flow of drugs before tackling the issue of student use. According to him, addressing the source is paramount. Sending police to schools for random inspections serves as a temporary measure, but the focus remains on intercepting the influx of harmful substances at the national level.
According to the NDDCB official, authorities should emphasise the imperative of preventive measures and awareness campaigns, acknowledging the need for systemic changes within the education sector.
He also said that even though surveys were done in 2017–18 with the collaboration of the Education Ministry, questioning students is not advisable considering the risk of promoting drug use.
Dr. Andrea King, an addiction expert, and Dr. Renea Jablonski, a pulmonologist from the US, underscored the dangers posed by vaping products. Contrary to marketing claims, these products harbour significant health risks, particularly impacting adolescent users. Nicotine exposure during this critical developmental stage can impair cognitive functions and increase susceptibility to addiction.
As Sri Lanka grapples with this multifaceted challenge, the spotlight shines on policymakers and educators to forge comprehensive solutions, safeguarding the well-being and future of the nation’s youth.
| What is vaping? Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour produced by an electronic device known as a vape or e-cigarette. These devices heat a liquid (often containing nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals) to create an aerosol, which users then inhale. Vaping is often considered an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, although it has its own set of health risks and concerns. These electronic cigarettes are produced as perfume bottles, USB ports, and smart watches, making them barely detectable. Vape flavours refer to the diverse range of liquid formulations used in electronic cigarettes or vaping devices to produce flavoured aerosol vapour. These flavours come in a wide variety, ranging from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruit, dessert, candy, beverages, and even exotic flavours. Popular vape flavours include fruit medleys, candy-inspired concoctions like cotton candy or gummy bears, savoury flavours like chocolate or vanilla custard, and refreshing options like mint or menthol. The availability of such a wide array of flavours has been a point of contention, especially concerning their appeal to youth and potential health implications.
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| How does vaping affect students?Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase the risk of future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes. |
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