site.btaERT Reports Alarming Rise in Youth Vaping in Greece

Greek national broadcaster ERT reported an alarming rise in the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers in the country, with more minors viewing vaping as a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking.

ERT quoted two health experts, who warned that pupils and adolescents are increasingly using e-cigarettes as a social accessory, without factoring in the health harm.

E-cigarettes should not be seen as a harmless substitute, but as a form of nicotine addiction from the very first uses, European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention President Panagiotis Behrakis said. 

He added that even one or two uses could lead to long-term addiction. Behrakis noted that the spread of vaping among children and teenagers is helped by products offered in different flavours and aromas such as strawberry, vanilla and others, which make nicotine more appealing to younger age groups.

Child psychologist Christina Bogiatzi said many young people link e-cigarette use with a sense of independence and early entry into the adult world, without realizing the risk of developing addiction.

The two specialists agreed that the problem cannot be addressed solely through bans or warnings on tobacco products. Instead, they called for sustained awareness and education efforts in both schools and families.

The experts also pointed to the responsibility of institutions, saying products should not be allowed if they promote nicotine through attractive flavours and packaging.

Vaping is not a harmless trend but a serious social and public health problem that requires prevention, awareness and active involvement by parents, schools and state institutions, ERT added.