Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 May 2025 | 15:15 CAT

A flavoured vape device — its sleek design and sweet scent mask the serious mental health risks and addiction dangers it poses to young users. (File photo – Pyramid Psychology)

The growing popularity of vaping among teenagers in South Africa is setting off alarm bells for mental health professionals, with new findings revealing deep-seated risks to adolescent wellbeing. A recent survey spanning 52 high schools found that nearly 18% of learners from grades 8 to 12 are regular vapers—almost half of whom reach for a vape within an hour of waking up.

“This is a very, very worrying statistic,” says Dr Stacey Ocshe, psychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists. “There’s a significant and dangerous misperception that vaping relieves stress and anxiety, when in reality, it’s a maladaptive coping mechanism that may worsen mental health long-term.”

According to Dr Ocshe, while nicotine offers a fleeting sense of relief, it disrupts brain development and primes teenagers for further addiction. “The adolescent brain is still developing until age 25. Nicotine exposure can alter neurocircuitry and the expression of neurotransmitters, which can induce or perpetuate anxiety and depression.”

Compounding the crisis is a wave of misinformation—often echoed by parents. “Some teens think it’s just flavoured steam,” says Dr Ocshe. “But even non-nicotine vapes contain harmful chemicals and carcinogens. There are more than 20 harmful substances in some vapes—sometimes at higher levels than in conventional cigarettes.”

The allure of fruity flavours and the influence of social media and celebrity culture have normalised vaping, blurring its dangers. “There’s aggressive marketing directed at youth. It’s unregulated and makes vaping seem socially acceptable,” explains Dr Ocshe.

Most worrying is the link between vaping and suicidal thoughts. “There’s a higher incidence of depression and suicidal ideation among vapers,” warns Dr Ocshe. “It impacts learning, cognition and emotional stability.”

Calls are now growing for tighter regulations. “It’s frightening how easily teens can access these products,” she adds. “We need to treat vaping like we treat cigarettes—restrict access, regulate advertising, and educate the public.”

Parents, educators, and policymakers are urged to act decisively. “The earlier we intervene,” Dr Ocshe concludes, “the better the chances of protecting the mental and physical health of our next generation.”

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam International with Annisa Essack and Dr Stacey Ocshe.