Kids under 10 taking to vaping: Experts share ways to rid addiction
The increasing use of modern tobacco devices is a growing concern. Here's how to help overcome dependency.
Despite a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and electronic tobacco devices in India, there is a rising illicit use among young people. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4), in India 52% of school-going children are smokeless tobacco users (aged 13-15) and initiated the use before age 10.
This does ring an alarm bell, but how and why are children attracted to it at such a young age? The modern, new-age products are designed to appeal to youngsters; most of these products are gadget-like, even resembling USB drives and pens. In addition, aggressive social media marketing and influencer promotion have normalised their use.
The use of e-tobacco and smokeless devices has been a major concern and a public health crisis. Vaping is associated with major lung injuries, even with short-term use, and is also associated with organ damage and breathing problems and definitely addiction.
But what can parents do to support their kids if they fall for it or develop an addiction? Moreover, parents are concerned that children are stepping into this world without any awareness of it.
What can parents do, and how exactly can they intervene? We asked experts during a seminar organised by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), an advocacy group of concerned mothers combating the escalating vaping crisis.
Parents feel lost in such situations, highlighted the founder of Voice Masters Club, Chavi Mehta. She said that “the instinct is to react – but what children need is structured, calm support."
Brinda Ghosh, Director, Staff Training at Gyanshree School, explained the importance of counselling and helping them navigate better and how one needs to teach them early about the problems that the habit brings. Experts also discussed how and why children fall for peer pressure, and parents need to teach them about how to stay strong.
WAYS TO HELP OVERCOME DEPENDENCY:
Talk to them – Experts highlighted the importance of talking to kids and ensuring an open, honest and non-judgemental conversation. No questioning, no judgements – a conversation that helps you understand what exactly is going on with them.
Seek expert support – Parents may sometimes associate counselling with shame, but expert intervention is needed in such situations. One can help them identify their own reasons to quit rather than just complying with what the parent is asking.
Equip them to handle peer pressure – Kids often give in to peer pressure; therefore, teach assertive communication and teach them to say no. Teach them how to create and respect boundaries.
NEED FOR AGE-APPROPRIATE AWARENESS
What’s crucial is to understand that it’s time to start a conversation around modern tobacco devices and introduce age-appropriate awareness regarding these products.
Experts at the session emphasised the necessity for mandatory inclusion of age-appropriate awareness content on novel nicotine products in school curricula from foundational levels.
“There is a pressing need to shift from a reactive to a preventive approach when it comes to student health. Educational institutions provide a unique and structured environment where awareness initiatives, early screenings, and timely medical guidance can be effectively introduced," said Dr Rajesh Gupta, Director – Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology at Yashoda Medicity, Indirapuram.
Prof. Dr Sushma Yadav, Chairperson, UGC Steering Committee, LOCF, highlighted that every custodian of society – from a classroom teacher to a senior administrator – must recognise that their conduct is the curriculum.
"The UGC, through its LOCF framework, and NCERT at the school level, are working to embed values into curricula. But curriculum alone is not enough. Values are not just taught; they are absorbed by children from everything they witness around them,” she added.
Chavi Mehta noted that we don’t need stricter rules; we need stronger conversation. “No lectures, no fixing, just listening because connection reduces the need for risky coping mechanisms," she said.