Dutch psychologists call for raising tobacco and vape age to 21

Addiction psychologists from the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP) are advocating for an increase in the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products and vapes to 21. They argue that this measure is essential as an increasing number of young people and young adults are smoking or using e-cigarettes.

The psychologists expressed concern that, despite the goals of the National Prevention Agreement, smoking and vaping rates among youth continue to rise. “Recent research shows that vaping, like smoking, carries significant health risks for users,” the NIP stated.

To combat this trend, the institute is calling not only for the age limit to be raised but also for accompanying measures such as a nationwide public awareness campaign, higher taxes on these products, and stricter restrictions on sales points.

The National Prevention Agreement, established in the Netherlands, includes a goal of creating a smoke-free generation by 2040. Raising the age limit for tobacco and vape products is one of several strategies the NIP believes is necessary to meet this target.