Advertising has been shown to promote a positive brand image for vaping devices and to spur youth to try them, while social media marketing has been linked to explosive growth in sales. The evidence also suggests that rather than being smoking cessation devices for adults, e-cigarettes act as smoking initiation devices for youth. Using a cloud of misinformation, vaping companies have revolutionised the marketing of e-cigarettes and significantly increased youth vaping. CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS, GUMMY BEAR FLAVOURCommunication to youth about the risks of e-cigarettes must address youth. Vaping devices should also be sold in plain packaging, should be banned wherever tobacco use is banned and should be placed behind the pharmacy counter.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2019 14:26 UTC