Free vapes for kids: New rules, better policing to keep e-Cigarettes out of British schools

London

As the number of kids using e-cigarettes has gone up to 9% from 6%, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak-led government is introducing new reforms to nip loopholes that retailers use to give free vapes to kids.

The decision seems to have been prompted by the NHS (National Health System) report for 2021 that claimed that 9% of children in the 11-15 years age group use vapes or e-cigarettes.

These NHS figures for 2021 are significantly higher as compared to only 6% using e-cigarettes in 2018, even as the sale of vapes to youth 18 years of age is illegal in Britain.

The increase is marked by, as per NHS officials, offering free free vapes to kids for use and promotion by retailers and businesses.

The UK government has announced that it will ban those retailers who sell e-cigarettes to youth under 18 years of age.

In addition to this, awareness campaigns and dedicated school police liaison officers will be appointed to keep illegal vapes out of schools.

Commenting on new reforms, PM Rishi Sunak said he is concerned about the rise in the use of e-cigarettes by kids as there are reports that these illegal vapes contain lead.

“Our new illicit vape enforcement squad – backed by £3 million – is on the case but clearly there is more to do.

That is why I am taking further action today to clamp down on rogue firms who unlawfully target our children with these products.

The marketing and the illegal sales of vapes to children is completely unacceptable and I will do everything in my power to end this practice for good,” Sunak added.

The British government in April has started a Call for Evidence that 2 out of 5 youths in the 11-17 age group use vapes while 1 in 5 use as others are doing.

It is worth mentioning here that nicotine-free e-cigarettes were introduced to help addicts quit smoking, however, as per reports, this too has become an addiction.

The UK government is aiming to make the nation smoke-free by 2030 and reduce smoking rates in its citizens from the current 13% to 5%.