Parents and guardians of young people were warned today about the dangers of e-cigarettes as nicotine use in young people grows.

The Ministry of Health said it had noted an “alarming rise” in vaping and the use of devices such as nicotine vapour pens.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said: “We have noticed how accessible e-cigarettes and similar devices are in our community, and are warning parents and guardians that vaping is unsafe and has a detrimental impact on young people’s health and wellbeing.

“By fostering open conversations with young people, promoting peer support programmes and implementing stricter regulations on vaping products, we can collectively safeguard our youth’s wellbeing and ensure a healthier future.”

However, Ms Wilson told The Royal Gazette that the Government did not intend to bring in stricter regulations for the devices.

“They are already regulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, so only pharmacists are permitted to sell the devices and the cartridges.

“Part of what we’re doing is a reminder informing the public about the dangers of vaping, because a lot of people think it’s safer than cigarettes, which it is not.”

Ms Wilson said some products being sold were attractive to children because they were flavoured, but said banning such products was “not something that’s being explored”.

“Only pharmacists are legally allowed to sell it. We’re informing the public, particularly parents, and reminding the businesses that sell it that it is illegal to sell to children, and that if they continue to do so one of the remedies is through prosecution.”

Once considered a safer alternative to traditional smoking, e-cigarettes have become a significant public health risk, the health ministry said.

Adolescents and teenagers have been drawn to the products because of their attractive designs and flavours, as well as through deceptive marketing tactics.

Studies have shown that the nicotine content in e-cigarette products can lead to addiction in youngsters, especially during the crucial period of brain development.

Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes can also, ironically, become a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking.

More information on the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes for adolescents, teenagers and young adults can be found on the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

The health ministry reminded the public that only registered pharmacies can sell e-cigarettes, nicotine vapes and liquid nicotine. Failure to comply will lead to prosecution.

A list of registered pharmacies can be found here.