In the East Kazakhstan region, preventive lessons were held for high school students on the topic 'Vapes and Nicotine: What Lies Behind the Pretty Packaging.' The organizer was the KSU 'East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Development of Education 'Örken' of the East Kazakhstan Region Department of Education. The lessons were conducted in an interview format in two languages (Kazakh and Russian) with approximately the same content, which made it possible to reach a wide audience of students across the region.
The speaker was Jembaeva Armangul Maksutovna, a specialist at the medical institution 'Shyghys Preventive Medicine Center' (Healthy Lifestyle). During the discussion, she emphasized that the topic of vapes is especially relevant today: according to national research, electronic cigarettes and energy drinks rank first among adolescents in terms of use, ahead of other psychoactive substances. The expert explained the appeal of vapes by their similarity to gadgets, bright design, and variety of flavors — the WHO has registered about 16 thousand different flavorings. Many schoolchildren mistakenly believe that they are inhaling harmless vapor, but in fact the aerosol contains nicotine, glycerin, and chemical compounds that negatively affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems of a growing body.
Special attention was paid to the danger of developing addiction in adolescence, when the areas of the brain responsible for planning and controlling consequences are actively developing. Nicotine is perceived by the body as a reward, which quickly leads to persistent dependence. The speaker debunked the myth that vapes are less dangerous than regular cigarettes: the nicotine content in e-cigarette liquid can be even higher, not to mention the combustion products of flavorings and oils, which cause micro-burns of the mucous membrane and reduced immunity. In addition, the risk of oncological diseases, in particular laryngeal cancer, was addressed.
Students were also reminded of the legislation: as of June 20, 2024, a ban on the import, production, and distribution of vapes is in effect in Kazakhstan, and their use by minors is punishable by law. At the end of the meeting, the speaker gave practical advice: when offered to try 'just once,' it is enough to firmly answer 'no, I don't want to and I won't,' without making excuses or giving in to peer pressure. The main takeaway of the lesson is that behind the pretty packaging and pleasant smell lies real harm to health, and it is important for every teenager to think about their future.
