He was 10. What started as a "dumb move" developed into a nicotine addiction, Lucas said.
Although retailers in New Zealand are prohibited from selling products to children, Lucas had no trouble purchasing "very affordable, easy-to-get, and pleasant to taste" vapes from a store just 10 metres from his school.
Despite playing basketball and kickboxing, Lucas now sometimes finds himself "bent over coughing" and unable to breathe. Efforts to stop vaping have led to headaches and worsened anxiety, with his mood going from "cheery to very dark".
"When I started vaping, I got quite cocky and would be a smart arse to teachers, thinking I was cool and kids would like me," he said.
Across New Zealand concern about vaping among young children -including those in primary school is growing. Critics argue regulations and steps to reduce vaping are proving ineffective, in part due to a lack of enforcement. While there is no data yet specifically looking at primary school-age vaping, anecdotal evidence suggests it is on the rise.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 08, 2024 من The Guardian Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 08, 2024 من The Guardian Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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