New Cancer Research UK Data Shows Children 11-16 Who Have Never Smoked Do Not Regularly Use e-Cigarettes
According to new Cancer Research UK data being presented at the UK Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Conference this month, children aged between 11 to 16 who have never smoked, do not regularly use eCigarettes. The research will be published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.
“Our survey is in line with others in the different parts of the UK that show this is not happening. Young people are certainly experimenting with e-cigarettes, some of which do contain nicotine. However, our data show that at the moment this experimentation is not translating into regular use.” - Professor Linda Bauld, University of Stirling. The findings also reflect earlier research which shows that regular use of e-cigarettes is extremely rare among young non-smokers.
1,205 children aged 11-16 took part in the new UK-wide survey. Regular eCigarette use was found only in children who also smoked tobacco. Experimental eCigarette use among non-smoking children was low at three per cent.
The current and common perception at present is that the increase in use of eCigarettes will lead to a gateway effect to drive children to take up smoking.
This new survey data is reflective that this is not happening. Young people are experimenting with e-cigarettes, however, the survey data show that at the moment this experimentation is not translating into regular use.