Alongside other organisations across the children's sector, NCB welcomes the intention of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smoke-free future and protect children and young people from the potential harms of vaping.
A joint statement issued by a group of organisations from across the children's sector, including the National Children's Bureau, ahead of the Second Reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Parliament on Tuesday 16 April 2024.
We are a group of organisations who believe that babies, children and young people deserve the healthiest possible start in life. We advocate for measures that prevent illness in childhood and reduce health inequalities across the life course. That is why we support the goal of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smoke-free future in the UK, alongside protecting children and young people from the potential harms associated with underage vaping.
Impact of smoking on children’s development and their long-term health outcomes
Smoking is a major health risk for children and young people:
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Almost 1 in 5 young people aged 16-24 are current smokers (20.7% of young men, 15.2% of young women) (reference 1)
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Among mothers whose smoking status was recorded, a quarter of pregnant women under 24 at time of their first maternity appointment smoked. This rises to a third of those under 18. (reference 2)
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Children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of smoking (both active and passive smoking), with greater risks of bronchiolitis, pneumonia and other respiratory infections. They are also more likely to acquire and be hospitalized for asthma, and to die before their fifth birthday. (reference 3)
There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. We therefore welcome the goal of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a smoke-free future in the UK.
Reducing potential harms associated with underage vaping
We welcome the elements of the bill that give the government stronger powers to regulate the unacceptable marketing of vapes at children and young people.
Vaping should not be used by children and young people. Their developing lungs and brains mean they are more sensitive to its effects and it carries the risk of future harm and addiction (reference 4). Yet we know that vaping products are regularly promoted in a way that appeals to children and young people, both through the use of flavours and the way they are displayed and packaged.
Vaping by young people has tripled over the last three years and one in five children having now tried a vape (reference 5). We are extremely concerned by this given the unknown long-term health impacts and the addictive nature of the nicotine contained in vapes.
Conclusion
We believe the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is an important step in addressing the specific harms caused to babies, children, and young people by tobacco smoking and the unacceptable marketing of vapes at children and young people.
We support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and urge all Parliamentarians to vote in favour of the legislation.
References
2. APPG on Smoking and Health (2020)
3. World Health Organisation (2021)