Parents are being warned to pay closer attention to the TikTok accounts their children are following – as the number of uncertified vaping sellers on the popular social media platform hit an all-time high. Looking at just the popular Elf Bar product, there are around 205 unofficial accounts selling the devices, which are followed by up to half a million young people. Many use emojis in their bios to appeal to young customers.
The data has been collated by smoking cessation advocates Vape Club and comes as the vaping industry and legitimate retailers call for a crackdown from social media companies. While vaping rates among under-18s remain relatively low – with retailers regulating the sale of products – popular vaping brands are advertised and made available via fake social media sellers. Retailers have cautioned that this could also lead to counterfeit and potentially dangerous products.
Parents are being urged to educate their children on the dangers associated with illegal vaping product sellers. They are also being encouraged to learn more about TikTok, so they can reduce the number of young children being introduced to vaping by the platform.
