According to the Child Mind Institute, e-cigarettes and vapes are now the most frequently used tobacco product among adolescents.
Easily concealed, coming in fun flavours, and packing a nicotine punch, these products are incredibly addictive.
But with the trend catching on among school students (cue pictures of children in school uniform vaping), teachers have raised concerns over the issue.
Source: Facebook
Facebook page Public Health Malaysia raised the issue of how teachers getting tired of dealing with vaping students.
“Teachers are not only burdened by their daily duties and responsibilities, but they are also now made to face the rising concerns over the possession and usage of vape in schools.”
“Parents, community leaders, religious bodies and everyone else should TAKE NOTICE. Are you not worried about the impact of vape now that it has resurfaced again!!?”
The post which features images of teachers recounting their own experience facing this issue accompanied the PSA.
Source: Facebook
In one shocking screenshot, teachers spoke up on how adults are distributing vape to school students.
The page SK Bukit Kerayong writes that at first, they found primary school kids carrying vape after spot checks.
“After further investigation, it was found that former students and adults were responsible for introducing them to the substance.”
A man had been seeling vape to them for RM50-120 and allowed to sample it for RM20.
Another teacher spoke on how she saw parents encouraging their daughter to vape.
Source: Facebook
“When I scolded the girl for vaping, she simply said that even her parents allowed her to vape since form 1!”
In another photo, one teacher writes of how easy it is for students to get a hold of a vape from irresponsible sellers.
Source: Facebook
“Vapes are being rented by students, and can be bought in instalments! As of July, a total of 25 vapes were seized, with five more being confiscated today from Form 1 students.”
These devices are only meant for adults and may contain carcinogenic compounds, and cause lung irritation and circulatory problems.
Read the full post here:
It is time that we take a stand and attempt to educate members of the public to prevent nicotine addiction among school children in Malaysia a mainstay. Do your part!
Also read: 2 M’sians Caught Attempting to Smuggle Vapes into Singapore by Taping Them to Their Legs
