Royal Children’s Hospital study finds parents want flavoured e-cigarettes outlawed

A staggering amount of parents are scared their children might try e-cigarettes, with many calling for a ban on social media advertising targeted towards teens.

Three out of four Australian parents are scared their children might try e-cigarettes, with many calling for a ban on flavoured vaping products that may appeal to teens.

A Royal Children’s Hospital poll of parents found 87 per cent supported a ban on e-cigarette marketing that targets teenagers, while most also want to see social media advertising outlawed for vamping products.

National Child Health Poll director Dr Anthea Rhodes said the study of more than 2000 parents also revealed widespread confusion over the health and risks of the devices due to the fact they were legal in Australia.

“Parents are really concerned about e-cigarette use among teenagers and they want tougher legislation and regulations to try and minimise access to these products for children and young people,” Dr Rhodes said.

A Royal Children’s Hospital poll of parents found 87 per cent supported a ban on e-cigarette marketing.

“While the majority or parents are aware of the health risks … a third weren’t aware that e-cigarettes do contain toxins and chemicals that can be harmful. Forty per cent of parents were not aware that e-cigarettes have been related to deaths.”

Nine out of 10 parents told the poll they wanted mandatory childproof packaging and health warnings on vamping products, while the results also show:

— Almost half believe e-cigarettes would be banned it they caused health problems;

— Two this are not aware e-cigarette products sold in Australia are not subject to testing or approval:

— Forty-three per cent are unaware e-cigarette liquid can be toxic if swallowed.

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While the sale of liquid nicotine is illegal in Australia, the vamping products are rampant in Victoria due to under-the-counter sales and distribution over the internet.

Studies have also revealed many supposedly non-nicotine vaping products sold legally in Australia actually do contain the poison.

With more than 60 deaths linked to e-cigarettes around the world, Dr Rhodes said to was important parents discussed vamping with their children in the same way they educated them about drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other risky behaviours.