A recent study conducted by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has raised concerns over adolescent substance use, revealing that approximately 5% of South African high school students use cannabis regularly, while vaping among teenagers has reached alarming levels. Researchers warn that urgent action is needed to address the growing vaping crisis.
Key Findings of the UCT Study
Conducted by UCT academics Sam Filby and Professor Richard van Zyl Smit, the study surveyed over 25,000 students from 52 schools across eight of South Africa’s nine provinces. The research, published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine, examined students’ usage of e-cigarettes, tobacco cigarettes, cannabis, and hookah pipes over the preceding 30 days. The findings include:
- 16.8% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes.
- 5% use cannabis regularly.
- 3% smoke hookah pipes.
- 2% smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The Dangers of Vaping and Nicotine Addiction
The study highlights significant health concerns linked to adolescent vaping and substance use. Researchers emphasize that nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development, affecting learning, memory, and attention. Additionally, nicotine addiction is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues and high-risk behaviors.
Other key findings from the study include:
- 38% of students who vape do so daily.
- More than 50% vape at least four times a week.
- 88% of vapers use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.
- 47% of students vape within an hour of waking up, a strong indicator of nicotine dependence.
- Up to 61% of high school vapers could be seriously addicted to nicotine.
Beyond nicotine, the study also warns that certain vape flavors, such as cherry, cinnamon, and vanilla, may damage lung tissue and blood vessels.
Addressing the Adolescent Vaping Crisis
The researchers stress the need for a coordinated public health response to curb the rise in adolescent vaping. Recommendations include:
- Stricter legislation: The South African government should pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to regulate vape sales near schools and online.
- Advertising restrictions: Limiting the marketing of vaping products can help deglamorize their use among teenagers.
- Dispelling myths: Awareness campaigns must address the misconception that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking.
- Support for addicted teens: Rather than punitive measures, schools and parents should focus on education and support to help teenagers quit vaping.
A Call for Action
Healthcare professionals and educators must play an active role in combating this growing epidemic. Doctors should routinely ask young patients about vaping habits, while school counselors should provide coping strategies to help students manage stress and peer pressure.
With vaping rates soaring among South African teens, urgent intervention is needed to protect the health and well-being of the next generation.