Brewing vaping crisis among high school pupils

Alarm bells are ringing as nearly 30% of Grade 12 learners reported active use of vaping in a groundbreaking study led by the University of Cape Town (UCT), from a pool of 25 000 pupils across 52 schools, published in The Lancet EClinicalMedicine.

Furthermore, 16.8% of high school learners have vaped in the past 30 days (study published on 29 November). It was found that 29.5% of matriculants make up the figure, with some reaching as high as 46% in some schools. This is juxtaposed against significantly lower reported rates of tobacco cigarette use (2%), cannabis use (5%) and hookah pipe use (3%).

The study’s innovative approach to measuring addiction revealed that between 40% and 60% of learners who vape are likely addicted to nicotine, with many reporting withdrawal symptoms, such as needing to vape immediately after waking.

“Nicotine use during adolescence can harm the developing brain, with potential long-term effects on learning, memory and attention.”

“This rate of vaping is of particular concern among adolescents due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine use during adolescence can harm the developing brain, with potential long-term effects on learning, memory and attention. Alarmingly, it also increases the risk of progression to conventional cigarette smoking,” said Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit – a pulmonologist, UCT academic and leading expert in tobacco and vaping research at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Shape policies

The study also looked at several factors including drivers, school demographics, policy actions and global consequences.

Adolescents often begin vaping due to social influences, curiosity and stress relief. Over time, these factors evolve into dependency and a coping mechanism for emotional well-being, the study observed.

Professor Jackie Hoare, co-author of the study, said: “Many students do not recognise their dependence, despite experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This cognitive dissonance warrants deeper exploration to inform education and intervention strategies.”

Learners at schools charging annual fees between R20 000 and R40 000 had the highest vaping rates (19.5%), compared to 14.6% at schools charging over R90 000 yearly.

“This data equips us with the evidence needed to shape policies that regulate access, marketing and advertising of vaping products to adolescents,” added Professor van Zyl-Smit.