Teachers are urging parents to educate their children on the dangers of vaping. 

On December 22nd, it became illegal to sell e-cigarettes to a child and for those who break the law, penalty of a fine of up to €4,000 and/or up to six months in prison.

Introducing the legislation, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said there was a “really urgent” need for restrictions and one Senator described vaping as a “public health crisis”. 

Despite this, some educators believe many children are already addicted and have asked parents to monitor how their children use their pocket money. 

A teen vaping on the street. Image: Steven Gill / Alamy

“Vaping is sweeping through schools,” principal Aaron Wolfe said. 

“It’s perceived by young people as something very cool and very normalised. 

“It’s an attractive pastime for them and it’s become very, very popular.

“It’s a huge worry because of the addictive nature of nicotine and the damage that vaping would cause to their development.” 

Better than smoking?

The HSE has said vapes are potentially “less harmful” than traditional tobacco products but notes the technology is still in its infancy and, “We do not know the long-term health impact of vaping.” 

Scientists are also concerned vapes may change how a person's vital organs function, increasing the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Main image: A woman smokes a disposable vape. Picture by: Mikhail Reshetnikov / Alamy Stock Photo