ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Aruba Youth Vaping has become an increasingly serious community concern, according to Rulienne Arends of Fundacion Anti Droga Aruba, commonly known as FADA.
Arends said vaping products remain easily accessible to children and teenagers, including through some supermarkets where age verification may not always be consistently enforced.
She called for stronger supervision, improved compliance by retailers and coordinated action involving the government, schools, parents, businesses and prevention organizations.
FADA Warns About Increasing Vape Use
According to Arends, vaping was still relatively unfamiliar in Aruba when FADA first began warning schools and families about the issue.
At that time, only a limited number of vaping incidents were being reported in schools.
She said the situation has changed significantly over the years, with vaping products becoming more widely available and increasingly familiar to young people.
FADA has repeatedly raised awareness about the health risks associated with vaping and its growing popularity among school-age children in Aruba.
The organization has also warned that attractive flavours, packaging and advertising can create the impression that vaping is less harmful than smoking.
Concerns About Supermarket Sales
Arends said residents have reported seeing minors purchasing vaping products from supermarkets without being asked to provide identification.
She argued that insufficient store-level monitoring and inconsistent enforcement have made it easier for young people to obtain the products.
Official Aruba government information states that the Tobacco Products Restriction Ordinance prohibits retailers from selling vaping products to anyone under the age of 21.
The government has also stated that people under 21 are prohibited from using vaping products.
Aruba police previously announced stricter inspections across the island to remind retailers of these requirements and improve enforcement.
Despite the existing restrictions, Arends believes more action is necessary to ensure businesses consistently verify customers’ ages and comply with the rules.
Attractive Products Target Young Consumers
Arends also expressed concern about the commercial presentation of vaping products.
Many devices are sold in bright colours, sweet flavours and compact designs that may be especially attractive to children and teenagers.
The products are also reportedly available at numerous retail locations across Aruba.
FADA believes this combination of availability, advertising and appealing product design has contributed to the normalization of vaping among young people.
Peer Pressure and Hidden Vape Use
The Aruba Youth Vaping problem is also influenced by peer pressure, according to Arends.
Some children reportedly begin vaping because their friends use the products or encourage them to experiment.
Many young users hide their vaping from parents, teachers and other adults, making early intervention more difficult.
Arends said there are also situations in which parents or other adults knowingly permit minors to use vaping products.
FADA believes greater parental supervision and open discussions about addiction and health risks are necessary to address the issue.
Marijuana Familiarity Also Raises Concern
Arends also raised concerns about children’s familiarity with marijuana.
She said some primary-school students already know what marijuana is, have relatives who use it or report that it is present within their homes.
In some cases, children have indicated that the drug is easily accessible in their household environment.
FADA believes these reports demonstrate the importance of beginning age-appropriate prevention education at an early stage.
Coordinated Response Requested
FADA is calling for urgent and coordinated measures to reduce vaping among children and teenagers.
The organization says the response should include consistent age verification at stores, stronger inspections, effective enforcement, public education and improved supervision at home.
Schools and prevention organizations can also help by providing students with accurate information about vaping, nicotine dependence and the possible consequences of early substance use.
FADA believes the Aruba Youth Vaping issue cannot be addressed by one organization alone.
Government agencies, retailers, schools, parents and the wider community must work together to limit youth access and prevent more children from beginning to vape.
