This past Sunday, May 31st, was World No Tobacco Day — a day set aside each year to remind us of the many harms of tobacco to health and to encourage people who smoke to quit. Over the years, much progress has been made. Stronger laws, continued public awareness of the many diseases caused by cigarette smoking, have reduced the number of people who smoke over the years – But the fight is far from over.
A new threat has emerged: vaping. What makes vaping especially alarming is who it is targeting — our youth. Marketed as a harmless, colourful gadget that delivers many appealing flavours and looks cool. Unfortunately, the consequences of vaping for our children could last a lifetime.
The Numbers Tell a Worrying Story
The fight against tobacco smoking in Saint Lucia is ongoing and far from over, especially among men. In fact, 1 in 4 men in Saint Lucia smoke cigarettes (according to the STEP Survey 2020). And among the men and women who smoke every day, the average age at which they first started smoking is just 17 years old – the age group that the Vaping marketing is targeting right now.
According to the 2025 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 1 in 3 girls and boys in Saint Lucian secondary schools have vaped at least once.
What Is Vaping and Why Is It Dangerous?
Vaping means using an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or a similar device to breathe in vapour – often mixed with appealing flavours and nicotine.
Nicotine is not safe for anyone, and it is especially harmful to young people.
“Flavoured Poison is Still Poison”
Nicotine is very addictive. Young people can start showing signs of addiction quickly — sometimes even before they begin using it every day.
Nicotine harms the developing brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Nicotine can damage the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and self-control.
Teens who vape may be more likely to smoke cigarettes than those who don’t vape. They are at greater risk of becoming addicted to other drugs.
Nicotine can poison small children who get hold of an e-cigarette and inhale or swallow the liquid. The colourful packaging is appealing to small, curious children.
Nicotine exposure is harmful to pregnant women. It can harm a baby’s brain and lung development in the womb.
Vaping increases your risk for severe, irreversible lung damage and lung cancer
What Parents Can Do?
“Parents/Guardians are the first line of defense.”
Communication, communication, communication! Talk to your child early and often about vaping, smoking and drugs in general. Do not wait for a problem to start. Allow them to ask you questions and listen without judging.
Know what vapes look like. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and can look like everyday items like USB drives or pens, which makes them easy to hide. This brings us back to communication – if there is open communication and NO judgement, your child will likely be open to sharing their concerns with you.
Set a good example – kids follow what you do more than what you say. If you smoke or vape, it’s best to seek help to quit. Your child will see your effort and understand why it’s important.
If your child is already vaping – seek help. Speak to your family doctor about available options and support.
A Message for Young People
If you are a student reading this, here is what you need to know:
Vaping is not worth it — it is addictive and can cause cancer. And once you start, it can be very hard to stop.
It is okay to say no – If someone offers you a vape, you have every right to refuse. True friends will respect your decision.
If you already vape and want to stop, talk to an adult you trust — a parent, teacher, or counsellor. You do not have to deal with this alone.
Protect your brain. You are at the most important stage of your mental development. Do not let vaping take your future away from you.
Saint Lucia Must Act Now
The vaping industry has deliberately targeted young people with bright colours, sweet flavours, and social media marketing. We need to ban (and enforce) advertising vaping products to youth, strict enforcement of age restrictions on the purchase of e-cigarettes, and clear health warnings on all vaping products like those found on cigarette packaging.
Our young people deserve to grow up healthy. Vaping is already in our schools, but it is not too late. To the Parents/Guardians – communicate, communicate, communicate with your children, and seek help if you need it.
Confront directly, conquer completely.
Wishing you a safe and healthy week!
Dr Rachel Thwaites-Williams,
Family Physician and Public Health Specialist
