Study finds an increasing number of matric learners in vaping to cope with stress

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The University of Cape Town has recently published a study conducted by one of their researchers which revealed very worrying facts about booming vaping addiction.

The study is said to have been conducted by Pulmonologist and Researcher in the institution Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit about smoking habits in teenagers. He said that they have found out that more than 25% of matric learners are into vaping.

However, they are using these as a form of coping with anxiety and stress.

He also said that this cannot only be linked to matriculants but to learners throughout their high schooling duration.

“It is not the matrics. There are grade 8s and I have been asked to come and talk to some grade 7s who are also vaping.”

“while there is a social element to smoking vapes, many students are reporting that they use vaping to cope with stress and anxiety.”

He said that the pressure which the students find themselves in, in high school has led to them vaping to get the dopamine release to help them cope. As a result there are also some that have shown signs of developing nicotine addiction.

He added that more regulation needs to be added to curb the rising number of addiction in high school students.

Listen to the full interview audio below: