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July 2022 - Chemicals

45% of under-18s say they have seen electric cigarettes promoted on TikTok: A survey into the growing number of underage children using e-cigarettes has found that 45% of children have seen e-cigarettes being promoted on TikTok, with a further 31% seeing them promoted on Instagram and 22% on Snapchat.

The study for Action on Smoking and Health polled over 2,500 British 11 to 17-year-olds in light of the growing number of children who choose to use e-cigarettes. 

The number of children who state that they have tried electric cigarettes has risen by 2% since 2020, however, 84% of those aged 11 to 17 say they have never tried one. Furthermore, the number of children who say they regularly vape has risen from 4% in 2020, to 7% in the most recent study.

When asked about what their favourite type of electric cigarette was, 52% of 11 to 17-year-olds who vape said disposable models; an increase of 45% from 2020.

The study also found that 45% of those surveyed said they get the electric cigarettes from shops, with one in 10 saying they purchase them online. In the UK the legal age to buy e-cigarettes is 18, although the age limit varies in each country.

While vaping and e-cigarettes were initially intended to be a healthier alternative to smoking, many young people are starting to use them. However, the vast majority of vapers are smokers or former smokers.

Deborah Arnot, Chief Executive for Action on Smoking and Health, said: "The disposable vapes that have surged in popularity over the last year are brightly coloured, pocket-size products with sweet flavours and sweet names. They are widely available for under £5 – no wonder they are attractive to children."

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