Produced in an array of funky colours and in flavours that would make a greengrocer blush, vaping has taken the world by storm, sending plumes of vapour into the sky like ancient smoke signals.

The founder of the Youth Revival Sanctuary, a substance abuse rehabilitation centre in Rynfield specialising in treating children between the ages of 11 and 17, Suzette Dippenaar, said the use and abuse of vapes in local
schools is rife.

“Most of our clients who participate in the three-week in-patient and after-care programme called The Strong treatment programme are enrolled for nicotine, dagga, alcohol and over-the-counter (OTC) medication dependency.

“The steep increase in vaping among teenagers is of grave concern. We see children as young as 11 actively using vapes with high nicotine concentrations. The use of these devices is often with full parental knowledge and consent,” she said.

Dippenaar said the lack of regulation further contributed to the problem.

“Schools’ hands are tied. Their only means of control is to confiscate the devices and inform the children’s parents,” she said.

“Vapes are freely available, with some retailers even delivering them to your door. Parents must realise that nicotine addiction is real and might act as a gateway drug to other illegal substances.”

She explained that some parents claim they encourage the use of vapes as a means of curbing stress and anxiety associated with mounting societal and educational pressure.

“Nicotine is a neuro-stimulant, which makes the user feel relaxed. However, as the body becomes accustomed to the effects, it would go into withdrawal. More frequent use is required to stimulate feelings of relaxation.

“This cycle of abuse could reach a point where the nicotine is no longer doing the ‘trick’ and the user might seek alternative stimulants.”

Parents have their say: Would you let your underage child vape?

Parents are paying for it

The manager of a local vape outlet, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed Dippenaar’s findings, saying parents don’t hide that they buy products on behalf of their tweens and teens.

“I started smoking at the age of seven. I have graduated from all forms of smoking, all of which I regret,” he said.

He said that, as per legal regulations, they cannot sell products to anyone under 18 and that people must produce their IDs on request.

“This is difficult if the parents are fuelling the habit, though,” he said.

The staff at a corner café not far from one of the city’s high schools said these types of nicotine-delivering devices
should be banned outright, despite the café stocking and selling vapes.

“Vapes are bad news. We don’t fully understand the long-term effects on one’s health,” said a shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous.

“They might not contain tar, but the synthetic chemicals used to create various flavours cannot be healthy. The nicotine is highly addictive and often results in young customers becoming aggressive when we
refuse to sell to them.

“Ethically, we can’t contribute to their addiction. However, things change when their parents are footing the bill. Parents should think before condoning the use of vapes.”

What young ‘choofers’ have to say
* The scholar’s real name was not used.

Sitting outside, a group of youths from a local high school wait for their transport.

Eli* reaches into his pocket, but sheepishly retracts his hand as a journalist from the Benoni City Times approaches.

How old were you when you started vaping?
“I don’t think anyone in this group was older than 13, when we started vaping. More than 88% of the kids in
our school do.”

What percentage of nicotine do you prefer?
“Between 5 to 8% nicotine of the ‘iced’ (menthol) variants.”

Why do you vape and what happens when you don’t?
“I love the head rush. The buzz is the best, I believe vaping is healthier than smoking but if I were honest, I would say I am addicted. If I go long periods without I get the shakes, cotton mouth, feelings of anxiety and bursts of anger.”

When do you vape?
“Any opportunity we get, especially between classes and in the corridors.”

What happens when you get caught vaping on the school grounds?
“Our teachers confiscate the vapes and worse case they phone our parents. During break we just buy another one
from whoever has extra. Our parents know that we do it, some are more lenient than others. My parents just don’t want to see me do it.”

How do you fund your habit?
“I use my pocket money but when the funds are a little low I will place a bet or two on online gambling platforms and hope I strike it lucky.”

How much do you spend on vapes a month?
“Between R400 to R600.”

Where do you purchase your vapes?
“The local shops are so full of it, they insist on checking IDs. We buy from kids who buy from spaza shops or order online.”

Withdrawal symptoms

Dippenaar cautions parents that kicking the vaping habit is not as easy a simply banning its use or chucking the device in the bin.

“Nicotine in all forms is addictive and stopping consumption comes with an array of withdrawal symptoms,” she said.

“No matter your child’s age, you will need to enlist the help of a healthcare professional to oversee the process.”

The withdrawal symptoms include aggression, anxiety and restlessness.

Steps to recovery

• Ask for a lung function test to establish the level of damage caused to the pulmonary organs;

• Discuss your child’s use of vape products and the reason for picking up the habit. Every child and parent has a
different approach to the situation, where open and honest conversations can take place;

• Enlist help. Bring the issue to your child’s teacher, school and counsellor’s attention. It takes a village to raise a
child; call on your village and enlist the help of those trained to assist;

• Encourage your child to make the shift. Breaking the cycle of addiction comes with choice and the will to make better choices;

• Set firm boundaries. Be clear about the road ahead, the steps and the outcome. Missteps will occur, and in
those moments, you must be clear and consistent about the consequences;

• Applaud. Celebrate every milestone and be prepared to wipe the tears on more challenging days. Most importantly, be available to your child. Schedule family activities, be supportive and be present.

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