Preventing the initiation of tobacco and e-cigarette use among the youth

Abstract

The youth population, a critical target for the tobacco industry, is highly susceptible to nicotine addiction. The use of ECs among the youth has expanded dramatically in many countries in the last decade. From the public health perspective, growing evidence shows that ECs may serve as a gateway for maintenance of nicotine addiction. The health hazards of nicotine dependence and ECs, especially for the youth, are now better described. Countries can protect children from starting smoking and becoming addicted to nicotine by implementing strict tobacco-control laws and by modernisation of evidence-based tobacco-control strategies to include vaping products. There are promising smoking-cessation programmes, but better evidence is still needed for youth cessation. The best practice to prevent tobacco use among the youth is achieved when interventions are comprehensive, coordinated and combined with many partners at several levels.