The World Health Organization (WHO) has accused tobacco companies of employing a myriad of tactics to attract young people to use vapes, such as introducing appealing flavors and marketing campaigns through social media.
According to a WHO and industry watchdog STOP joint report, these companies aim to attract a new generation of young customers to nicotine despite stricter regulations on traditional cigarettes.
Tobacco Companies Are Reportedly Targeting Young People With Vapes
Tobacco firms and new entrants are reportedly promoting smoking alternatives like vapes and claim they are intended for adult smokers. However, the WHO and STOP noted that these products appeal to young people because of their design and fruity flavors.
According to the report, globally, around 37 million children aged 13 to 15 years use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among teens exceeds that of adults.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus refused to accept the industry's claim that it is working to lessen the harm from smoking and stressed that its marketing strategies are aimed at young customers.
The report attributed the rising trend of youth using vapes globally to flavors like bubblegum, which attract younger users.
WHO Remains Skeptical on Tobacco Industry Claim
The tobacco industry noted that such flavors help adults transition away from smoking. However, the WHO remained skeptical, pointing to a lack of evidence that vapes effectively help people quit smoking.
The organization also said that vaping could lead to increased use of traditional cigarettes, particularly among young people.
"These industries are intentionally designing products and utilizing marketing strategies that appeal directly to children," Dr. Ruediger Krech, director of the Department of Health Promotion at WHO, said in a press statement.
"The use of child-friendly flavours like cotton candy and bubblegum, combined with sleek and colourful designs that resemble toys, is a blatant attempt to addict young people to these harmful products," he added.
According to WHO, governments should protect young people from the uptake of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products by banning or strictly regulating these products.
WHO also recommended creating 100% smoke-free indoor public places; banning marketing, advertising, and promoting these products; raising taxes and public awareness of the industry's deceptive tactics; and supporting youth-led education and awareness initiatives.
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