Today’s meeting of the Education Committee of the Region 4 Regional Democratic Council, November 4, 2026, highlighted an ongoing and troubling problem where vapes are being found in the possession of schoolchildren, including children at the primary level.
The government has indicated that it intends to introduce measures to address this issue. I urge it to expedite those measures and provide a clear timeline for implementation. The presence of these products among primary school children underscores the urgency of protecting children from accessing them.
The government and the relevant consumer protection authorities must address the sale of vaping products to children by supermarkets and other establishments, with meaningful penalties and effective enforcement.
Parents and guardians also have a critical responsibility. Adults who use vaping products at home must keep them securely out of children’s reach to prevent children from accessing them and taking them to school. Families should also speak with their children about the risks associated with vaping.
The concerns raised at today’s Education Committee meeting require a prompt response. I call on the government to move swiftly from announced intentions to implementation, supported by enforcement and education for retailers, parents and schoolchildren.
DPI
