The 'war against youth vaping' has begun in Kildare

The "war against youth vaping" has begun in County Kildare, according to one politician.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin made the comments as she welcomed the launch of a new youth vaping and nicotine prevention campaign led by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

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She emphasised that the campaign comes at a time when vaping among young people under the age of 18 has risen in recent years.

It was launched by HSE Tobacco Free Ireland alongside Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

COLLABORATION

As part of the initiative, the HSE will collaborate with online content creators in order to spread awareness about the dangers of vaping and to explain its harmful effects on mental, physical and oral health to Irish youths.

Creators Kasey Campion, Jim Flanno, Zara Deasy, Daragh McGurn, Shauna Davitt, Ryan Mar, Sean Fitzgerald and Billykiss are participating in the campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Senator O’Loughlin said: "Young people are particularly vulnerable to the harms of vaping.

"Nicotine can damage the developing brain, affecting memory, concentration, mood and impulse control, while also increasing the risk of future smoking.

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She continued: "In the war against vaping, education is our most important tool; children need to understand the impact vapes have on their bodies and the risks they pose to their development.

"Vapes are designed to appeal to young people through bright colours and flavours, but education can expose the reality of the harm they cause."

Senator O'Loughlin concluded: "Public attitudes to cigarettes have changed significantly over time through education, and the same approach must now be applied to vaping."

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.