Concern over vaping’s growing popularity among teens in Kuwait

Concern over vaping’s growing popularity among teens in Kuwait

By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: Vaping among teens has skyrocketed and become widespread in society. There is a concern in Kuwait over the growing numbers of vapers, especially teenagers. Although e-cigarettes are banned by the ministry of health, they are still illegally sold on social media and in stores.

Studies have shown that the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for teens because it contains nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. Its effects continue into the early to mid-20s. Kuwait Times spoke with psychologists, teenagers, parents and experts to learn more about this issue to find the best way to resolve a problem that troubles many.

Sama Naeem, 13, told Kuwait Times that vaping was a stress reliever from all issues going on in her life. “Social media made it a cool trend to be followed. Most of my friends at school vape and offered me to try it,” she said. When Kuwait Times asked her how teens can afford the cost of vaping and refills, she said: “All teens buy it from the supermarket. There is also a single-use (disposable) vape, which you can smoke and throw away. It costs only KD 1.5.” Sama revealed the main reason behind