Anger rises as vaping permeates primary schools

Feeling lost and angry over the death of his father, Lucas Sykes started vaping in 2021 after his friends suggested it would help the grieving process.

- Sasha Borissenko

He was 10. What started as a "dumb move" developed into a nicotine addiction, Lucas said.

Although retailers in New Zealand are prohibited from selling products to children, Lucas had no trouble purchasing "very affordable, easy-to-get, and pleasant to taste" vapes from a store just 10 metres from his school.

Despite playing basketball and kickboxing, Lucas now sometimes finds himself "bent over coughing" and unable to breathe. Efforts to stop vaping have led to headaches and worsened anxiety, with his mood going from "cheery to very dark".

"When I started vaping, I got quite cocky and would be a smart arse to teachers, thinking I was cool and kids would like me," he said.

Across New Zealand concern about vaping among young children -including those in primary school is growing. Critics argue regulations and steps to reduce vaping are proving ineffective, in part due to a lack of enforcement. While there is no data yet specifically looking at primary school-age vaping, anecdotal evidence suggests it is on the rise.