South Africa's Teen Vapers Face Growing Mental Health Risks

As vaping trends upward among South African teenagers, a worrying narrative is unfolding that underscores potential dangers to their mental health and cognitive development, Cape town Etc reports.

Packaged in colourful designs with 'fun flavours' and marketed as less harmful than traditional tobacco products, vaping appears to be a socially accepted pastime for the youth.

However, alarming statistics reveal that over 17 of high school learners are actively engaged in vaping, with reports showing 47 reaching for their devices within the first hour of waking - a clear signal of addiction.

In a comprehensive survey conducted across 52 high schools in South Africa, the findings painted a concerning picture. Among learners from Grades 8 to 12, not just current users, but nearly 37 admitted to having tried vaping at least once.

A psychiatrist from the South African Society of Psychiatrists SASOP, Dr Nokuthula Mdaka, warns that the perceived harmlessness of vaping belies significant health risks, especially for the developing minds of teenagers.