So, I see a lot of vapers pointing out the flaws in the reasoning and misperceptions of those opposed to e-cigarettes. However, I really dont see people talking about the issue that a lot of critics bring up; minors and vaping. I spend a lot of time in shops and checking places out. I have seen many people under 18 vaping and trying to buy e-cigs. Most of the shops in my area are fairly ethical and wont sell to minors without ID. Even so, I have seen parents who are willing to make these purchases.
I think that the opponents of vaping may have some legitimate points in this matter. My evidence is anecdotal, but Im willing to wager that there will be studies that show that a number of children are starting to vape. Now, I dont believe that these products are marketed towards children. Also, I dont believe that e-cigs are the root of the issue. The fact is that none of us started smoking by accident. We all started smoking for our own reasons, no matter how misguided (I thought that it would make me look cool). The coming generations will continue to do these things for their own reasons, regardless of the existence of e-cigs.
Still, there is going to be a growing population of children vaping. Perhaps the percent of young people who will start using tobacco products will be greater with the advent of vaping. Additionally, there is growing population of adults who have started vaping who never smoked, so I dont doubt that there is a certain allure to vaping. Im just curious how other people feel about this. Any comments, thoughts, or death threats are greatly appreciated (Im kidding about the death threats).
I've read around 33% of posts in this thread. Was glad to see Pamdis post on p.1 of this thread.
IMO, this is the biggest issue of them all with regards to vaping. I often say flavors is the biggest issue, but that's because it is one that will be dealt with (for sure) in my lifetime, and has realistic chance of being overcome soon. The kids vaping one is unrealistic to be met with rigorous, reasonable debate, anytime soon. This isn't my first rodeo, and so far I see emotion far outweighing rigorous debate on this topic.
I strongly believe kids should be allowed to vape. I further believe, and am very prepared to argue, that disallowing kids (as a whole segment of society) to vape is precisely at the core of "what is the problem with vaping."
I am very (very very) aware that I speak from a minority position on this topic. At same time, I do not back down from this debate unless censorship tells me we don't discuss this here. Then I will concede as I realize the majority of adults are very childish on this issue. Incredibly childish.
Kids are going to vape, as OP notes. Your policies, and hypocrisy, will not change this fact. You did 'bad things' when you were 18, but now no one after you should be allowed to do similar things. That equals hypocrisy. Thank God real life doesn't operate in that fashion. Kids are going to vape.
What makes us look bad as a community is not the kids issue. ANTZ logic, rhetoric and trappings are what makes vaping look bad. I say we should allow kids to vape, but that can, or likely will be, spun into a claim that says Jman8 says kids should be vaping. I don't think I'll ever say "kids should be vaping" or anyone should be vaping. But do believe I can be accurately quoted with "everyone should be allowed to vape."
The argument that supports kids being allowed to vape goes way way way deeper than vaping. Most (so called) adults I've met aren't prepared to have that discussion, as is very apparent by their arguments. Most are comfortable with the status quo. I've learned to accept the status quo and not get bent out of shape over these sort of discussions that amount to changing very little. I've learned to accept the idea that planting seeds is the best that can likely be achieved at this point in time.
There many nuances that can be had in this discussion as it relates to vaping, and kids. One that has been noted on this thread already is that it is presumptuous to think kids are automatically going to vape nicotine. When that is removed from the discussion, and yet kids are still vaping, I like to use that as a starting point for why do you really take issue with kids being allowed to vape?
. This chart ends at 2011. I saw another chart that went to 2013 which had a noticeable drop from 2012, but that can happen one year due to to other reasons than a change in smoker numbers. If I find it again I'll post it.
