The use of electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) is not the reason why teenagers are encouraged to smoke, as revealed by a research.
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), there is no connection between the increased number of teenage smokers and their use of e-cigarettes. The research, which was published in the journal Public Health and conducted together with the polling company YouGov, showed that teens in U.K are trying more with e-cigarettes.
In the year 2013, 4% of the 11-18 years old in UK confirmed that they have tried using e-cigarettes, "once or twice". In the year 2015, the percentage increased to 10%.
Some papers argue that the cause of the increased e-cigarettes usage among teens is the widespread awareness of the device. According to another research, one third of young people did not know how to use electronic cigarettes in the year 2013. In 2015, it lowered to 7%.
However, regular e-cigarettes users is only down to 2.4% of the population, which is considered small. These users are young people who said that they use e-cigarettes at least once a month. The users are also believed to be current smokers.
Hazel Cheeseman, the Director of Policy of ASH explained result of their study. "These results should reassure the public that electronic cigarettes are not linked with any rise in young people smoking. Although more young people are trying electronic cigarettes and many more young people are aware of them, this has not led to widespread regular use or an increase in smoking."
Professor Kevin Fenton from Public Health in England also confirmed the research conducted by ASH. He stated that the survey that the team conducted confirms regular use of the said smoking device is not considered high and majority of the users are young people.
With the new law prohibiting stores and individuals to sell e-cigarettes to individuals who are 18 years old and below, authorities expect that the number of users will further decrease. The said law will take effect this coming October 1. It will help spread the message that the device is intended for adult smokers who want to stay out of the dangerous habit.
