Disposable vape ban: I buy my kids vapes to control their addiction
Emma is doing something she swore she would never do.In an attempt to have some control over her children's vaping habits, she's resorted to buying them the vapes herself.She's not proud of it, but says it feels like the only way to keep her two teenagers safe and reduce the high levels of nicotine they were consuming."It went against every bone in my body to do that, but they're addicted," Emma says. "It's not a simple case of telling them to stop – it is so much harder than that."Emma believes her son, who she has asked the BBC not to name, began vaping in primary school.He managed to keep it from her for a while, but by the time he got to high school, his protests of "that vape's not mine" had started to wear thin.By the time Emma's son was 15, he was becoming breathless, contracted tonsillitis, and, at one point, was in so much pain, Emma called an ambulance."The paramedics said the incessant vaping could be causing this," she says. "They told him to try and stop, or at the very least cut down."It was then Emma decided something had to change – she was going to take control and buy the vapes - trying to reduce their nicotine intake from 20mg to 10mg."I warned them – if I see them with a device that has more nicotine in – then I'll stop buying them any, full stop."Emma says she felt she could then be confident the vapes would be from a reputable supplier, they wouldn't be illegal and contain other harmful products, and she could control the level of nicotine.
Best of weekend picks
Not only is it illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18, it is also illegal to buy them for anyone underage. Emma knows what she is doing isn't legal, but feels this was her only choice.She believes she has managed to reduce her son's nicotine intake, in part by buying the vapes, but also by having such an open conversation with him.But Emma says the disposable vape ban, which came into effect on 1 June, has had little impact on her children's nicotine consumption.It was introduced due to environmental concerns and to reduce the rising number of children and young people vaping.While vapes provide a far healthier alternative to cigarettes, there are concerns that vaping provides a gateway into nicotine addiction - with disposable vapes enticing children and young people with their fruity flavours and cheap prices.Health experts agree anyone who does not smoke should not start vaping, as it may cause long-term damage to the lungs, heart and brain.But weeks after the ban came into force, Kate Pike from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, says she fears it won't make any difference - and she says some rechargeable vapes, which are still legal to buy, are being marketed directly at children."We are finding compliant products – vapes that are refillable and rechargeable – with packs of stickers in them," she says. "What adult is going to want to decorate their vape with stickers?"She also says it is very difficult to tell the difference between the now-illegal disposables and the legal refillable vapes. And due to some being fitted with pre-filled pods, they are still being used "like disposable vapes and discarded."
At Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, home to the UK's first NHS vaping clinic for children, Professor Rachel Isba says parents should not be hard on themselves – they are fighting a battle against the might of a huge vaping industry."The important thing is not to judge your child; the world our young people live in is a difficult place to grow up in," she says. "There are so many competing pressures."Her clinic supports 11-15-year-olds who have been referred by other NHS healthcare professionals. It has been open since January and already has a six-week waiting list."The children that come to see me have to want to see me and understand why they are here," Prof Isba says. "It could be that they are noticing a change with their bodies – they struggle to play sport without being out of breath for instance, or they're coughing up blood, or they just know they're addicted and they want to stop or cut down."
She says some young people are sleeping with vapes under their pillows so they can get a nicotine hit in the middle of the night, and their addiction can be so strong they experience "micro withdrawals" in school."They are consuming nicotine so frequently that they begin to feel anxious if they don't have it – even for the length of a double maths lesson, for example."They then think they need the vape to reduce the anxiety, she explains, but it is nicotine withdrawal that is causing those feelings in the first place.Prof Isba offers nicotine replacement therapy – such as gums and patches – and talks to them about how vaping affects their lives."We might discuss ways they might be able to cut down, what triggers them to vape and even how much money they might save simply by not vaping."She says the government's Tobacco and Vapes bill is a good step forward but would like to see more paediatric addiction services across the NHS.The problem is "far greater" than her clinic, she says, and she is concerned vaping could become a gateway drug into smoking and other dependences.Dan from Twickenham, a father of three boys, agrees. He says the conversation about youth vaping is redundant because, he says, that "horse has bolted".His 17-year-old got expelled from school in February because he was caught with cannabis in his vape, and his 14-year-old was close to losing his school place recently because of a similar issue."Vaping is a gateway drug," Dan says. "They become addicted to nicotine and then harder stuff follows.
"They've definitely smoked [cigarettes] and now my eldest is addicted to nicotine pouches. It's never ending."A government spokesperson told the BBC it was taking "tough action" to tackle youth vaping - including giving Trading Standards the power to issue £200 on-the-spot fines to anyone found selling tobacco or vapes to people underage.They also added that single-use vapes were a "blight on our streets" and that the government had made it compulsory for all vape retailers to provide recycling bins.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
43 minutes ago
- BBC News
Weston Park baton walk symbol of hope for suicide survivors
A charity started by a father who lost his son to suicide has held a Walk of Hope to encourage open conversations around mental McCarthy, a former BBC and Sky News reporter, lost his son Ross to suicide aged Ross left a farewell note asking his family to campaign for better mental health support, Mr McCarthy co-founded the charity Baton of said Saturday's event at Sheffield's Weston Park was about "smashing stigma surrounding suicide and encourage open conversation". He said: "Having witnessed first hand the trauma of losing a wonderful son with so much to give, I realised belatedly just how woeful society is when it comes to mental wellbeing."Together there is so much we can do and that includes bringing to an end the dreadful silence surrounding the subject."The event saw campaigners carry a Baton of Hope, a gold baton designed and crafted by Thomas Lyte, goldsmiths and silversmiths to Queen Elizabeth bearers included people who had lost loved ones to suicide or survived a suicide attempt. Debbi Marlow, who was among those who carried the baton, lost her brother Andrew to suicide three years said: "We've come together in the name of our loved ones and to consider people who struggle with their mental health."Suicide is everyone's business. In some way so many of us will be affected by suicide, whether we lose someone who is very special to us or we're aware of that. We're all connected as humans by suicide in some way."We need to connect and talk about it and the baton allows those conversations."Leah Laycock, who also carried the baton, witnessed her father attempt suicide as a child and is a suicide survivor said: "Once upon a time, I wouldn't talk about it but after coming across the Baton of Hope charity, meeting other people and connecting with them has helped me so much."And it's brought my journey of recovery forward very quickly, which is amazing."Carrying the baton feels like a symbol of survival, strength, and hope – not just for me but for everyone who's ever felt like they couldn't go on." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Top dermatologist's urgent warning to those with spots - common remedy could leave you scarred for life
Popping an unsightly pimple before a big social event or work presentation may seem like a simple solution. But while this might seem like a good idea at the time, it's a bad habit that can do more than just scar you, a skin expert has warned. According to Dr Conal Perrett, a dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic on Harley Street, London, popping spots can risk spreading infection or requiring pricey follow-up care, often costing hundreds of pounds, to fully clear. Instead, he suggested targeted treatments and gentle skincare to support natural healing for spots. Acne is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions in adolescents. More than 80 per cent of teenagers battle with pimples. The condition is caused by hair follicles becoming plugged with oil or dead skin cells, which can be a result of shifts in hormones, or using cosmetic products and certain medications. It can also occur later in life for a number of reasons. Dr Perrett advised: 'Refrain from picking or squeezing any blemishes, as this can worsen inflammation and lead to permanent marks.' The correct way to treat a troublesome spot depends on the type you have, the doctor warned 'For stubborn scarring, advanced treatments such as chemical peels, laser and microneedling can be the best way forward.' 'Using the right skincare ingredients, alongside daily sun protection, can make a significant difference. 'For more persistent or severe acne, seeking professional advice is the best way to protect the skin and support a smooth, healthy complexion in the future.' Dr Perrett also urged people, in particular acne sufferers, to look out for the five main types of spots: blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Dark spots on your face are likely blackheads, Dr Perrett noted, which can be treated and prevented with products containing salicylic acids and gentle retinoids—because they keep pores clear. Such products are available on the high street, often as serums. Small, red inflamed bumps without visible puss-filled heads, meanwhile, are likely papules—which occur when clogged pores trigger deeper inflammation. This redness can be reduced by products containing benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and azelaic acid. Spots that look similar to papules but have a red base and white or yellow tip, are likely pustules which carry a higher risk of scarring if popped. These troublesome spots can be treated with the same way as papules, but in some cases prescription-strength retinoids and oral antibiotics may be needed. Another, nodules, are large, painful and sit deep within the skin. These have a significant chance of leaving permanent scarring, so they also require prescription-strength retinoids and oral antibiotics. Cysts, meanwhile, have the highest likelihood of scarring and are large, soft, pus-filled lumps that sit deep below the skin's surface. 'It is crucial to never squeeze cysts, as this can dramatically increase scarring and spread infection,' Dr Perrett warned. If patients have painful cysts and nodules, steroid injections such as corticosteroid to quickly reduce swelling, redness and pain. However, he added, if pimples stubbornly persist patients should see a dermatologist. For those with acne scars he said wearing a hydrating SPF can, minimise how visible they are. 'Sun exposure stimulates melanin production, which can make scars appear darker and more pronounced,' he said. 'A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning and reapplied throughout the day. 'Pairing sun protection with a good moisturizer enhances skin repair by maintaining hydration, which is crucial for cell turnover and barrier function.' This is especially important for those taking the acne medication Roaccutane, as it makes them more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, he warned. Research has suggested diet may also play a role in acne prevention. Experts advise avoiding sugar and focusing on a healthy, well-balanced diet with high amounts of nuts, legumes, fish, red meat, fruits and vegetables. Some studies also suggest there is a higher risk of acne with frequent milk consumption, but more research is needed before dietary recommendations can be made. For this reason, experts recommend keeping a diary to see if any of foods directly aggravate acne and avoid them if this is the case.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Reform the NHS, not our shopping baskets
This week, the NHS will publish its 10 Year Health Plan. The most we can expect from this exercise in Soviet-style planning is tinkering around the edges of an edifice that was erected when Joseph Stalin ruled in Moscow. By 2035, the end date of this 10-year plan, the country will almost certainly be unable to afford the NHS in its present form – if, indeed, it hasn't collapsed under the weight of its own contradictions by then. Unable to address the fundamental problems of the NHS, the dirigistes of Whitehall have come up with a new plan to direct us how to lead our lives – telling us what we should or shouldn't be allowed to choose to put in our shopping baskets. Supermarkets will be expected to cut 100 calories from the average shopping basket by limiting sales of sugary and salty snacks or other 'junk food'. Ever since Napoleon Bonaparte sneered at England as 'a nation of shopkeepers', we have worn his insult as a badge of honour. We are proud to be a people who earn our living by trade and we cherish the liberties that are the glory of a commercial society. Even those of us who are not shopkeepers are at least customers. So little does this Labour Government know the British people that it is about to resort to distinctly Napoleonic measures to punish both retailers and consumers. Yet previous attempts to control consumption have never succeeded in changing enduring patterns of behaviour rooted in human nature. It is outrageous that officials feel empowered to tell us what we can, and cannot, eat. The public is being infantilised and robbed of agency. Centuries have passed since Parliament abandoned sumptuary laws that prohibited the lower orders from imitating the luxurious dress of the aristocracy. But the bureaucratic mind is obdurate in its disdain for popular tastes in food and drink. Combined with Labour's instinct to meddle, along with its insatiable fiscal appetite, it is no surprise that, as we report today, a modern version of the sumptuary laws is about to land on an unsuspecting nation. Obesity is a genuine and growing problem, but, hitherto, all attempts to address it by fiscal means have failed. The latest obesity tax – supermarkets will be fined if they don't reduce the nation's calorie intake, and this will inevitably be passed on to consumers – now emerging from the bowels of the Health Department and the Treasury, claims to be aimed directly at our waistlines. In reality, like all its predecessors, it will target our wallets. There is a certain grim irony in the fact that this policy should have been adopted at the same time as the decision by the NHS to prescribe the weight-loss drug semaglutide (contained in Ozempic and Wegovy). It is fairly obvious that the underlying rationale of the new regulations is less about obesity than about the Government's failure to control spending. No doubt figures will be trotted out about how many lives will be saved by cutting consumption of ultra-processed foods or any other category of comestible that attracts the ire of the health bureaucrats. But the truth is that new rules are being concocted because the Government is running scared of its own MPs, who have effectively imposed a veto on cuts in welfare spending. What would genuinely make a difference to life expectancy and health outcomes would, of course, be a radical reform of the NHS, a more active population, and a reduction in the numbers wasting their lives on benefits. Rachel Reeves has just poured another £29 billion into the health service, without any clear cost-benefit calculation. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is intelligent enough to know that he has inherited an obsolete behemoth that is crying out for root-and-branch reform. But building a new consensus for a new NHS would require the Labour Party to rethink its assumptions about the social contract, as well as the role of insurance and individual responsibility. The original 1946 NHS Act created 'a comprehensive health service designed to secure improvement in the physical and mental health of the people of England and Wales'. Today, the nation's health is not safe in the hands of a dysfunctional Labour Party that would rather do anything – even introducing an assisted-dying service – than take on the overdue task of making the NHS fit for purpose. These new directives are at best a displacement activity, at worst an act of fiscal condescension. A nation of shopkeepers deserves better than to be bossed around by its own government.
