'The war against youth vaping has begun' says Louth's McGreehan
Louth TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the launch of a new youth vaping and nicotine prevention campaign led by the HSE
Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan has welcomed the launch of a new youth vaping and nicotine prevention campaign led by the HSE, stating that “education is the first line of attack in the war against vaping.”
The campaign comes at a time when vaping among young people under the age of 18 has risen in recent years, with approximately one in five now reporting that they vape.
The social media campaign, launched by HSE Tobacco Free Ireland alongside Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, aims to highlight the risks associated with youth vaping and nicotine use.
As part of the initiative, the HSE will collaborate with content creators to spread awareness about the dangers of vaping and to explain its harmful effects on mental, physical and oral health.
Creators Kasey Campion, Jim Flanno, Zara Deasy, Daragh McGurn, Shauna Davitt, Ryan Mar, Sean Fitzgerald and Billykiss are participating in the campaign. Using a combination of organic and paid social media, along with creator-led content, the campaign is tailored to how young people engage with digital platforms.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Deputy McGreehan 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.
“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.
“Public attitudes to cigarettes have changed significantly over time through education, and the same approach must now be applied to vaping.”