Abstract
Daily nicotine vaping prevalence among youth in Aotearoa New Zealand is higher than in comparable countries—15% of 15-17 year olds vape every day. Nicotine causes minimal physical harm, but use may quickly lead to addiction. Physiological changes result in strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make it hard to quit nicotine, especially if smoking or vaping is embedded in social life and daily rituals. Policy responses need to reflect the highly addictive nature of vaping, particularly in young people, and mitigate risks of vapers turning to smoking.
The definition of vaping harm needs to include psychological, financial and social impacts, as well as physical harm. The Government should assist schools to take a health approach to youth vaping, and fund youth-specific services to help children and adolescents cut down or quit vaping.