The Lens: E-cigarettes and vapes are more harmful than hip, and the call for restrictions is getting louder

Mahmood Bibi Aaizah, 16, Leung Shek Chee College

As concerns about the health risks and the addictive nature of vaping mount, there is a growing call for stricter regulations and even a complete ban on these devices.

I am in favour of implementing restrictions on e-cigarette use among both teens and adults in order to protect public health.

Numerous studies have shown that vaping can lead to lung damage, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of addiction to nicotine.

By restricting access to vapes, particularly among teenagers, we have an opportunity to shield individuals from these potential health hazards.

Critics argue that e-cigarettes can serve as a gateway to traditional tobacco smoking. Research indicates that young people who experiment with vaping are more likely to transition to smoking conventional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are a relatively new product, and regulations surrounding them may be inadequate. There have been instances of poor quality control, inconsistent labelling, and the presence of harmful substances in some e-cigarette products.

E-cigarette companies have employed aggressive marketing tactics that appeal to young people, using enticing flavours and attractive packaging. By imposing restrictions or bans, we can curb these marketing practices that exploit youth vulnerabilities and protect them from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.

Stricter regulations can strike a balance between offering options for adult smokers to work towards quitting while also safeguarding the well-being of teenagers. By doing so, we will have the ability to foster healthier communities.

Japan’s military is now allowing officers to sport a greater choice in hairstyles in an effort to encourage more young people to sign up for the armed forces after years of poor recruitment.

The new changes will go into effect in April of this year.

The move follows the ministry’s decision to lift the ban on tattoos among recruits to the Self-Defence Forces last year.

Under these changes, male members of the armed forces would no longer have to have a “buzz cut”, and women would be able to wear their hair longer.

According to reports, there are discussions regarding the rules of hair colour as well.

Analysts say the changes are trying to entice young people who might be “on the fence” about a career in the military, but this will not solve the staffing problems.

Garren Mulloy, a professor of international relations at Daito Bunka University and a specialist in military issues, pointed out the competition to recruit workers after banking and insurance companies recently announced major increases in the starting pay for new graduates.

“Japan’s public services and the SDF simply cannot keep up with that as their salary structures are set by the government, and there is no way they can match the private sector,” he said.

While militaries around the world maintain certain standards for recruits’ physical appearances, armed forces generally have fewer restrictions on the length and colour of hair.

Mulloy also said that the military is trying to increase recruitment without spending additional money.

Staff writers

• Should militaries be more lax about recruits’ physical appearance and aesthetic choices? Would this make a difference in their performance?

• Will the relaxation of rules on hairstyles and tattoos boost recruitment for Japan’s armed forces?

• What are other ways Japan’s military can encourage young people to consider joining the armed forces?