At the seminar “Implementing regulations banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products - what needs to be done”, Ms. Doan Thu Huyen, Country Director in Vietnam, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, USA warned about marketing tactics of e-cigarettes to students.
Accordingly, at direct sales points, sellers are willing to attract new customers with tricks such as giving away discount vouchers. In addition, students will be given gifts when attracting more users.
On digital platforms, students can easily exchange electronic cigarette products through groups and e-commerce sites under a cover that is difficult to detect.
“When delivering products to young people, sellers use very common names such as acne medicine or technology toys to avoid the attention of their parents. This is really dangerous when young people are increasingly at risk of accessing addictive products that affect their health at low prices,” Ms. Thu Huyen shared.
The ease with which e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are sold in the marketplace and via digital platforms is a major challenge. Students are at high risk of falling into new tobacco use under various guises.
Faced with the above situation, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Lam, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, said: “In Vietnam, we need to deal with the root cause first, which is illegal traders and marketers. In addition, we must control cases of smuggling through border gates and illegal production to limit the availability of products on the market.”
Violations need to be handled both on-site and online. It is necessary to review e-cigarette sales points via social networks by coordinating with authorities and online service providers.
Regarding sanctions and cases of student violations, Mr. Tuan Lam suggested referring to some countries that have been successful in preventing electronic cigarettes such as Singapore.
“In Singapore, there are campaigns implemented at schools, checking students and if any of them bring e-cigarettes, they will be fined. Students are then required to attend classes to quit using this product, participate in counseling sessions with experts and social activities,” added Dr. Nguyen Tuan Lam.
