Vape News: Despite the ban on e-cigarettes in India, access to them by children remains a concern. MAV has called for a crackdown on social media, influencers, and illegal sellers.
Vape access among children is increasing, demands for strictness increase.
India Vape Ban Rules: Despite a legal ban on e-cigarettes and vapes in India, concerns are being raised about their accessibility to children and adolescents. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, prohibits the production, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of e-cigarettes. The law also includes the promotion of e-cigarettes through the internet and social media as advertising. Despite this, the issue of increasing accessibility of new nicotine products among children and youth is emerging.
Mothers Against Vaping (MAV) has welcomed the raising of this issue in Parliament. The organization says that vaping is being marketed to school-age children as "safe," "cool," and harmless. According to MAV, access to these products is increasing among younger children and young adults through social media, influencers, and illegal sellers.
Accused of luring children to vape by telling them it was 'cool' and 'safe'
MAV stated that protecting children and youth from new nicotine products is not a political party issue. It concerns children's safety, public health, and the nation's future. The organization urged more lawmakers to unite on this issue and support strong action.
The organization has expressed particular concern that the country's large youth population could be seen as a potential market for these new nicotine products. MAV has called for vigilance against foreign interests and to ensure that Indian children and youth are not targeted by these products.
Strictness demanded on many new nicotine products including Vape
The MAV has called for strict enforcement of the ban on e-cigarettes, ENDS, vapes, Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), Heat-Not-Burn, and other new nicotine devices. The 2019 law includes devices like ENDS and Heat Not Burn Products within the definition of electronic cigarettes.
The organization argues that simply imposing a ban won't suffice, but that effective action against violations is also essential. According to MAV, the government should also monitor cases where banned products are being sold or promoted through various media to reach children and youth.
Accountability on social media and e-commerce platforms too
MAV also calls for accountability for social media and e-commerce platforms. The organization says that if any platform promotes the promotion, sale, or distribution of banned new nicotine products, strict legal and punitive action should be taken against them. They call for strict enforcement of existing laws where they are in effect, and for stricter provisions to be introduced where legal loopholes exist.
This demand is significant at a time when the 2019 law expands the scope of "advertising" to include the internet and social media. The law also includes the online sale of e-cigarettes within the definition of "sale."
'The next generation must be saved from nicotine addiction'
Dr. Bhavana Barmi, a clinical psychologist and supporter of MAV, said that India's young population is one of the country's greatest strengths. She urged all lawmakers to strictly enforce the ban on vapes and heat-not-burn devices, as well as other new nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, patches, and gum.
MAV says that protecting children from nicotine addiction isn't just the government's responsibility. Parliament and the government, along with schools, parents, law enforcement agencies, health experts, and society, must work together. The organization says that only through collective efforts can children and youth be kept away from new nicotine products.
What is Mothers Against Vaping?
Mothers Against Vaping (MAV) describes itself as a group of mothers working to protect children and youth from new nicotine products. The organization calls for keeping vapes, e-cigarettes, Heated Tobacco Products, Heat-not-Burn devices, nicotine pouches, and other similar products away from children and youth. MAV argues that these products can lead to nicotine addiction and, in the long run, harmful dependence.
