In 2023 it’s estimated that 20.5% of children aged 11-17 have used e-cigarettes or vapes. That’s a shocking increase from 15.8% in 2022 and 13.9% in 2020 before the first COVID-19 lockdown. These appalling statistics are credited to the allure of colourful vape packaging and deceptive commercial tactics, ultimately illustrating how the e-cigarette industry’s candy-coated trap is working, leaving young children and teens victims to long term respiratory damage!
Vape packaging, adorned with vibrant hues and eye-catching designs, has ultimately become a potent weapon in the arsenal of marketing strategies aimed at attracting young consumers. The multitude of colours imitating a sense of novelty and excitement, enticing secondary students to explore what lies beneath. The appeal not only lies in the small and compact device but also the array of flavours, from strawberry to bubble gum to vanilla ice cream, shelves are stacked with everything! Consequently, disguising the harmful nature of these products behind everyday household names.
Behind the seemingly innocent aesthetic variety, hides a calculated effort to lure young, impressionable minds into the dangerous world of nicotine addiction. A clear exploitation of the curiosities of teenagers, tobacco and vaping industries use packaging as a gateway to an addictive and detrimental habit. Packaging mimicking popular candies or snacks further blurs the line between a harmless treat and a potentially life-altering choice. With many teens stating “I started vaping because it looked cool.”
The consequences of these deceptive marketing strategies have become evident in the rising rates of teen vaping. As a result, communities are struggling with the repercussions of a new generation hooked on nicotine, and schools are facing the challenges of addressing a growing national public health concern.
As the curtain is lifted on the deceptive world of vape packaging, it is clear that acknowledging this issue is crucial for safeguarding the health and well being of young secondary students. By understanding the malicious tactics employed by the industry and taking collective action, we can empower the next generation to make educated and informed choices, thus growing a resistance to the allure of harmful packaging. The rebellion against teen vaping begins with exposing the true colours behind the marketing façade.
