In Canada, the use of electronic cigarettes appears to be on the rise in some schools and this trend worries both teachers and health authorities.
"STUDENTS THINK VAPING IS A WAY NOT TO SMOKE CIGARETTE"
FH Collins High School principal in Whitehorse, Bruce Thomson, says students believe vaping is a way to not smoke cigarettes: “ It is the message that is conveyed. ". According to him " Last year it was only a few students vaping, but this year there are a large number of students doing it."
The school administration announced at the start of this semester the ban on smoking cigarettes or vaping on the school grounds. Awareness campaigns are also being developed at the school.
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Brendan Hanley, states that a questionnaire distributed in 2014 to grade 9 and 10 students in the Yukon found that about 12% of respondents had tried e-cigarettes. Brendan Hanley says there is no doubt in his mind that this statistic is on the rise.
« The electronic cigarette is certainly more used than cigarettes among young people. Says Brendan Hanley.
The Government of Yukon's health promotion branch is currently working on the publication of educational materials to support possible legislation on e-cigarette use.
Electronic cigarettes are not legislated in the three territories of Canada's North and a federal bill has still not been passed. This project would allow, among other things, the legalization and regulation of electronic cigarette products containing nicotine.
Although e-cigarettes containing nicotine are banned in Canada, they are fairly easy to obtain online or in some stores, according to the Canadian Medical Association.
Source : Ici.radio-canada.ca/
