Vaping among teens in South Africa is on the rise, with alarming addiction rates as the government delays regulation and retailers continue to sell vapes without restrictions.
This trend, particularly concerning due to the health risks involved, has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the country’s current policies.
Startling Findings from New Study
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cape Town and Utrecht University paints a disturbing picture.
The study, which surveyed over 25,000 high school students from grades 8 to 12 across eight provinces, found that nearly 17% of teens admitted to currently using vapes.
Even more troubling, 60% of those teens showed signs of strong nicotine dependence.
The study revealed that the older the students were, the more likely they were to vape.
For example, nearly 30% of grade 12 students reported using vapes regularly.
A shocking statistic from the survey was that almost half of the respondents said they couldn’t make it through a full school day without vaping.
Even more concerning, many teens said they vaped within an hour of waking up, a clear indicator of nicotine dependence.
Lack of Regulation Leaves Youth Vulnerable
According to UCT professor Richard van Zyl-Smit, a key author of the study, the lack of effective regulation is exacerbating the problem.
“There’s no law on who can buy vapes or how they’re marketed,” he said. “It’s the Wild West out there.”
Despite the introduction of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in 2022, lawmakers have yet to pass the bill, leaving South Africa’s youth unprotected.
Vapes Are Easy to Access and Appealing to Teens
The ease with which teens can access vaping products is a major concern.
Vapes are readily available through delivery apps like Checkers Sixty60 and UberEats, and they come in sweet, appealing flavors.
The vaping industry markets these products as a safer, trendier alternative to traditional smoking, which researchers warn is misleading. Nicotine is still nicotine, and it has severe consequences for developing brains and lungs.
Professor Van Zyl-Smit emphasized the dangers of nicotine addiction in teens, noting, “We’ve never seen this level of nicotine addiction in teens before—not even with traditional cigarettes.”
Teen brains are still developing, and nicotine can interfere with this process, with potential long-term effects on cognitive function and mental health.
Studies have linked vaping to respiratory issues, weakened lung function, and increased risk of mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Experts Call for Immediate Action
Public health experts are urgently calling for action to address this growing crisis.
Samantha Filby, co-author of the study, emphasized the need for regulation, stating, “This is a public health crisis in the making.”
She stressed the importance of age limits, advertising bans, and strong enforcement of regulations to protect young people from the dangers of vaping.
Other public health professionals agree with the need for intervention.
Professor Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council pointed out that their own research found over a quarter of university students aged 18 to 24 already using vapes.
“The industry is targeting youth directly—with sweet flavours, influencers, and shops near schools. It’s intentional,” she said.
Vape Industry Response and Delays in Legislation
The vaping industry maintains that it does not intentionally target minors.
Asanda Gcoyi, the chief executive of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa, explained that responsible sellers follow a code of conduct, though he acknowledged that not all retailers comply.
“We’ve urged the government to create separate legislation for vaping so regulation can move faster,” Gcoyi said.
However, the delay continues, and the proposed bill is still waiting to be passed in Parliament.
What Should Be Done to Tackle Youth Vaping in South Africa?
With vaping becoming more widespread among teens, South Africa faces a pressing public health issue.
As the debate continues over how to best regulate vaping products, it’s clear that immediate action is needed to protect the nation’s youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction.
