How do we solve the issue of youth vaping in Jersey?

Friday 05 April 2024

Retailers and parents are being asked to share their views on vaping and how the rise of 'Gen-V' should be tackled, as the government considers a ban on single-use versions of the product.

Two separate consultations have been launched to understand the impact of a ban on the sale of single use vapes, and find out the views of parents and carers on youth vaping in Jersey.

The former Government last year announced plans to ban disposable vapes, which they said was for "both environmental and health-related reasons".

Pictured: The 2021 Jersey Children and Young People Survey found that 58% of 16- to 17-year-olds had tried e-cigarettes, with about one-third using them occasionally or regularly.

It followed a joint investigation by Bailiwick Express and the Jersey Evening Post which revealed how sweet-inspired flavours, highlighter-style packaging, and a lack of regulation meaning products that are illegal in the UK can still be sold locally had helped spawn what one local doctor described as a "generation of nicotine-addicted kids" in Jersey.

New Environment Minister Steve Luce said he was “committed” to continuing this work, but noted that it was a “complex issue” and that “vape retailers, users, young islanders and other stakeholders” should be asked for their views before any ban is introduced.

Two consultations have now launched.

Running until 9 May, one consultation is asking retailers, private and third sector health providers, and other industry bodies for their take on how long would be needed before a ban should be introduced and what the impact of a ban would be on businesses and individuals.

The other, running until 21 April, aims to establish what parents and carers think about youth vaping in Jersey, and how schools and the Government should address the issue.

One Jersey secondary school recently pledged to crack down on vaping in a letter to parents which informed them of their "crucial involvement" in tackling the "serious issue" of underage vaping.

Pictured: Students discussed youth vaping at the the 26th Annual Youth Assembly last week.

Young islanders also agreed that anyone born after 2009 should be banned from purchasing tobacco or vapes when the topic came up for debate at the 26th Annual Youth Assembly last week.

Measures are due be introduced in the UK to prevent vapes being marketed at children and to target under-age sales.

Under the UK plans, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said adult smokers trying to quit would still have access to alternatives like vapes, but said it was right that "strong action" was taken to stamp out vaping in children.

HAVE YOUR SAY...

You can find the consultation for retailers, private and third sector health providers, and other industry bodies HERE. 

You can find the consultation for parents and carers HERE.