From trend to trap: The silent vaping crisis gripping India's teenagers

India Today

31-05-2025

The steady infiltration of vaping into teenage lives in India has become a growing concern among public health experts. Though cigarette use among adolescents shows a gradual decline, the threat posed by e-cigarettes, discreet and dangerously misunderstood, looms large."In many parts of India, especially urban centres and even small towns, more and more teenagers are picking up their first cigarette or vape without realising they've started a habit that's notoriously hard to shake," Dr. Gautam Saha, a leading neuropsychiatrist and founder of Clinic Brain Neuropsychiatric Institute & Research Centre in Kolkata told IndiaToday.in.advertisementDespite the government's proactive step in 2019 to ban e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, loopholes persist.
Traditional tobacco use still commands a greater share of the problem. According to Global Youth Tobacco Surgery 2019, around 2-3% of Indian adolescents are cigarette smokers (additional bidi smokers), with some northeastern states reporting smoking rates as high as 58%.
Despite the government's proactive step in 2019 to ban e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, loopholes persist. (Photo: Reuters)
However, experts warn that vaping, though less prevalent, is a rapidly emerging threat."The relatively low figures for vaping today should not breed complacency, they reflect a situation that could change quickly," Dr. Saha warned. The rising use of e-cigarettes among Indian teens may be subtle now, but it bears the potential of reversing decades of hard-won progress in tobacco control.advertisementWHY VAPING APPEALS TO TEENSWhat makes vaping particularly insidious is its deceptive reputation."Many teenagers believe that vaping is a 'safer' or more benign alternative to smoking cigarettes. This is a dangerous misconception," Dr. Saha asserted. Unlike cigarettes, vapes don't emit telltale smells or smoke, allowing them to slip under the radar in schools and homes.Moreover, some variants pack a heavier nicotine punch than traditional cigarettes. "Vaping might not have tar or smoke, but it brings its baggage. Many vapes provide high doses of nicotine, sometimes more than a cigarette," he added.
Nicotine, especially during adolescence, wreaks havoc on the developing brain. (Photo: Generative AI)
Nicotine, especially during adolescence, wreaks havoc on the developing brain."Nicotine works like a con artist, it hijacks the teen brain by mimicking natural reward chemicals. With repeated hits, it changes how young people feel joy, focus, or even boredom," the neuropsychiatrist explained.Beyond mood disturbances, nicotine exposure can impair memory, learning, and impulse control, traits essential for adolescence and adulthood alike.INDIA'S POLICY ARSENAL: GOOD ON PAPER, GAPS ON THE GROUNDadvertisementThe national policy framework is not lacking. As Malavika Kaura Saxena, chief marketing officer at Rusan Pharma, outlineed: "India's approach is multi-pronged: strong laws (no e-cigs, no sales to minors), school-based interventions (ToFEI guidelines, curriculum integration), public education, and enforcement efforts have been initiated.'These efforts include the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), and public awareness campaigns specifically aimed at engaging the youth.However, implementation remains inconsistent across states and school systems. "Until every school is truly tobacco-free and every parent knows a USB-stick could be an e-cigarette, we have work to do," Saxena stated.
Many teenagers believe that vaping is a 'safer' or more benign alternative to smoking cigarettes.
While some schools conduct bag checks, awareness sessions, and parent-teacher dialogues, others remain in the dark. "Irrespective of the type of school or board, awareness around smoking, tobacco and vaping needs to be part of our curriculum and sensitisation should be mandatory at all levels," she added.advertisementSPOTTING THE SIGNS EARLYBeyond regulation, the fight must also be cultural and emotional."To counter this belief, we need stories more than stats. Let students hear from peers who got hooked. It's crucial to talk more about what withdrawal looks like or how a vape pen leads to chronic wheezing. Facts help, but emotion drives it home," said Dr. Saha.This shift in narrative, from abstract statistics to relatable, visceral accounts, could make the difference in reaching impressionable teens.
Unusual smells, subtle gadgets, and shifting social circles often provide the first clues. (Photo: Generative AI)
Spotting the signs of addiction early is equally critical. "The signs aren't always loud. A kid who suddenly gets edgy, snaps easily, or takes frequent 'breaks' alone could be feeding a new habit. Teachers might notice a drop in focus or more restroom breaks than usual.," Dr. Saha warned.Unusual fruity smells, subtle USB-like gadgets, and shifting social circles often provide the first clues.Encouragingly, some teens are beginning to recognise the dangers and speak out. The good news is that this issue is getting higher priority than before, the experts said.advertisement"With continuous pressure from courts, public health officials, and citizen groups, enforcement is being tightened,' Saxena observed.The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and ensure that the regulations are not just laws on paper but active shields protecting India's youth.