More Welsh primary school children have used e-cigarettes than tobacco
Primary school children in Wales are more likely to have tried an e-cigarette than tobacco, research reveals.
A study published in BMJ Open shows 6% of 10-11 year olds have used an e-cigarette at least once compared to 2% who have used tobacco.
Chief medical officer in Wales Ruth Hussey warned that e-cigarettes could normalise smoking amongst a generation that has grown up in a largely smoke-free society.
‘This research demonstrates that e-cigarettes are being used by young people who have never smoked,’ said Dr Hussey.
‘We should be doing everything we can to prevent a new generation becoming addicted to nicotine because it is a highly addictive substance and has been shown to impact on brain development.’
The study, carried out at Cardiff University on behalf of the Welsh Government, also revealed that 12% of 11-16 year olds had used an e-cigarette.
It was only among 15-16 year old pupils where the percentage of those who have smoked tobacco overtook those who have used an e-cigarette.
To read the full research paper, click here