Three times as many children have tried e-cigarettes than smoked tobacco

Three times as many children have experimented with e-cigarettes than actual tobacco products, according to a new report.

A study from Childhood Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (CHETS) found that 6% of 10- and 11-year-olds in Wales have tried an e-cigarette, as opposed to 2% of them who have smoked tobacco.

CHETS says that this is a danger as it can lead to the uptake of smoking real cigarettes later down the line.

It states that children who experiment with e-cigarettes are seven times more likely to smoke cigarettes within two years.

The report reads: "While childhood e-cigarette use is itself a cause for concern, the most significant concern among those arguing for greater regulation is that e-cigarettes may act as a gateway into smoking tobacco."

However, the majority of children who had tried e-cigarettes had never smoked a real cigarette.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: "These latest findings shine further light on the potential impact of e-cigarettes on our children and young people.

"I am concerned the use of e-cigarettes may act as a gateway to and re-normalise smoking, especially for a generation who have grown up in a largely smoke-free society.

"We are not alone in our concerns - the World Health Organization and other international bodies have called for greater regulation of e-cigarettes, including restrictions on their use in enclosed public spaces and bans on sales to children and young people."