The harm of cigarettes is something that has long been known, and growing up was always emphasized to us. Scientists have spent decades studying and understanding the harm smoking inflicts on the body, from nicotine’s addictive properties to the potential of chemicals included in these products to cause cancer. Much of this advice given to us and our peers in school seems to have been heeded since smoking was incredibly rare to notice among our classmates. However, a new product would eventually find its way into our classrooms: e-cigarettes. Though e-cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, were initially branded to help people who smoke work toward quitting, these devices have become popular among young people across the world, including in Canada.
The danger of these products largely lies in their harmless appearance. While the appearance of cigarettes includes clear warning labels, visible smoke and a distinct smell, e-cigarettes appear much safer. With the rise of fruit flavours, colourful packaging and catchy names, vape manufactures have developed unique tactics to grab the attention of young people. Many youth believe that they are simply inhaling harmless water vapour, unaware of the impacts that nicotine can have on their developing brains, or the toxic chemicals contained within e-cigarettes can have on their heart and lungs. We encourage you to take the time to do your own research on the threat vaping poses to one’s health – not only in the short term but throughout their lifetime.
Seeing the harm these products have caused people of our generation, we decided to act and advocate directly to provincial and federal decision-makers. From speaking with Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to publishing Op-Eds, we have both had the opportunity to make our voices on this issue heard and learned a lot along the way. One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey is seeing our work translate to real policy change. The policy we were advocating for in one of our Op-Eds was recently adopted as the province signed onto the Federal E-Cigarette tax. We believe that policies like these can make vaping less attractive to young people, incrementally reversing the concerning trend of high rates of use of these devices.
From our experiences in policy, we have learned more about ourselves, our communities and multiple levels of Government. It has been a phenomenal experience to learn more about the process behind policy change and understanding the many stakeholders involved in conversations around health. Being able to learn from people with diverse professional and lived experiences has also helped us to further develop as students, seeing how what we learn can be applied outside of the classroom.
To youth who are interested in getting involved in advocacy, both of us would wholeheartedly recommend making your voices heard. Start by educating yourself on the issues you are passionate about and take some time to reflect on your own experiences. Understanding the background of the issues you are hoping to address, including past policies, barriers to implementation, and policies implemented in other jurisdictions, is the best way to ensure you have a clear goal with your advocacy. When it comes time to communicate with policymakers, this clarity is invaluable.
Next, try to invite other perspectives from family, friends and community members other to maximize the diversity of experiences within your advocacy. Involving others is a great way to take your advocacy to the next level, with your goals now representing a coalition of individuals. Many youth feel passionately about the same issues you do, but just don’t know where to start, so mentoring them can be a great way to help them to gain confidence in their voice as advocates.
Policymakers want to hear from young people, especially on issues that impact us, like vaping. Your experiences, knowledge, and ideas have value – and using your voice can help to make this part of the conversation.
– Mika’il and Bianca, University Students