Feb 8 • 21:00 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

We must stop pushing children and young people in front of us in the debate about tobacco-free nicotine products

The article discusses the need for stricter enforcement of age limits on nicotine products to protect minors from access to these substances.

The article emphasizes that children and young people should not use nicotine, yet they often gain access to these products despite regulations. The author argues that the fundamental issue at hand is not if adults choose less harmful alternatives to cigarettes, but rather how to effectively restrict minors from obtaining nicotine products. The importance of enforcing existing laws and collaborating with social media platform providers is highlighted as critical measures in the fight against underage usage of nicotine.

Additionally, the piece critiques the Norwegian Institute of Public Health for focusing on the profits of manufacturers rather than the core public health goals. It suggests that profit generation is a necessary aspect of recreational products, and that the focus should instead be on how these products are regulated to minimize harm. This perspective advocates for a more nuanced understanding of public health in relation to the marketing and distribution of tobacco alternatives, promoting proactive measures to safeguard youth without penalizing adult choices.

Ultimately, the article calls for a shift in the debate surrounding nicotine products—imploring stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of children and adolescents through stricter enforcement and informed regulation, rather than misplacing blame on economic factors. By fostering a safer environment for youth, the dialogue can evolve from punitive measures against adults to effective strategies that genuinely protect vulnerable populations from the harms of nicotine usage.

📡 Similar Coverage