Dutch Doctors Warn: Snapchat Fuels Illegal Vape Sales to Teens

August 27, 2025

Amsterdam, netherlands – Despite Recent pledges to curtail illicit activity, Snapchat remains a key platform for the sale of banned nicotine products to teenagers, according to Doctors and advocacy groups in the Netherlands.The findings raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the platform’s new detection tools and its commitment to protecting young people.

Snapchat Used to Circumvent Vape Ban

A recent investigation by Stichting Rookpreventie Jeugd, a Dutch anti-tobacco foundation, revealed that illegal vape sales are flourishing on Snapchat, utilizing coded language to evade detection. This occurs even after the company announced the implementation of enhanced monitoring systems earlier this month. Lung Doctor Wanda de Kanter emphasized the platform’s popularity among adolescents, stating it is readily “being misused by dealers to promote vapes.”

Legal Challenges and Regulatory Pressure

The anti-tobacco group has formally requested intervention from the Autoriteit Consument & Markt (ACM), the Dutch consumer watchdog. They argue that Snapchat is in violation of the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which mandates increased safeguards for minors online. Non-compliance with the digital Services Act can result in substantial penalties,perhaps reaching up to 6% of a company’s global revenue.

Rising Youth Vaping Rates

Doctors are increasingly alarmed by a worsening trend of nicotine addiction among teenagers.Although flavored disposable vapes were prohibited in the Netherlands starting in 2024, recent surveys indicate a concerning rise in youth vaping. Data shows that 14.3% of individuals aged 12 to 16 report monthly vape usage.

did You Know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine exposure can harm adolescent brain growth, impacting attention, learning, and memory.

The prevalence of youth vaping is not limited to the Netherlands. The U.S. Food and Drug Governance has also reported meaningful increases in teen vaping rates in recent years, prompting similar calls for stronger regulation and enforcement.

Country	Vape Ban Status	Youth Vaping Rate (Approx.)
Netherlands	Flavored disposables banned (2024)	14.3% (ages 12-16)
United States	Varying by state/local ordinances	10.5% (High School Students – 2023)
united Kingdom	Restrictions on advertising & flavors	8.6% (ages 13-16 – 2023)

Pro Tip: Parents and educators should be aware of the slang terms commonly used by teens to discuss vaping, such as “juuling,” “dripping,” and “cloud chasing.”

What steps can Snapchat take to effectively address this issue? What role should parents play in educating their children about the dangers of vaping?

The Long-Term Impact of Youth vaping

The rising rates of teen vaping pose a long-term challenge to public health. Nicotine addiction can lead to a variety of health problems,including cardiovascular disease,respiratory issues,and an increased risk of other substance use disorders. Moreover, the marketing tactics employed by vape companies frequently enough target young people, making it essential to implement extensive prevention strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaping and Snapchat

• What is Snapchat doing to prevent vape sales? Snapchat claims to have implemented new detection tools, but recent investigations suggest these are not effective enough.
• Is vaping illegal for teenagers? Yes, the sale of nicotine products to minors is illegal in most countries, including the netherlands and the United States.
• What are the health risks of vaping? Vaping can harm adolescent brain development and increase the risk of lung disease, cardiovascular problems, and addiction.
• What can parents do to protect their children from vaping? Parents should educate their children about the dangers of vaping, monitor their online activity, and communicate openly about substance use.
• What is the EU Digital Services Act? It’s a set of rules designed to hold online platforms accountable for illegal content and protect users, especially minors.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!

What legal measures could be implemented to hold social media platforms accountable for facilitating illegal vape sales to minors?

The Rise of Vape Sales via Social Media

Dutch doctors are increasingly voicing concerns about the role of social media platforms, notably Snapchat, in facilitating the illegal sale of vapes – also known as e-cigarettes – to teenagers.This isn’t simply about teens accessing a product they shouldn’t; it’s a growing public health issue wiht potentially serious consequences for adolescent development and long-term health. The accessibility offered by platforms like Snapchat bypasses age verification measures and customary retail restrictions, creating a hazardous loophole.

This surge in youth vaping is linked to flavored vape products,aggressive marketing tactics targeting young people,and the perceived harmlessness of vaping compared to traditional smoking. The Netherlands, like many countries, has strict regulations regarding the sale of vapes to minors, but enforcement is proving arduous in the digital realm.

How Snapchat Facilitates Illegal Vape Transactions

Snapchat’s ephemeral nature – messages and content disappear after viewing – makes it an attractive platform for illegal vendors. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Vendor Accounts: Individuals, frequently enough using anonymous or newly created accounts, advertise vape products on Snapchat. Accounts like that of Marlon Lundgren Garcia (@marlonluga) demonstrate the platform’s reach, though there’s no direct link to illegal activity from this specific profile. However, the sheer number of users highlights the potential for such sales.

Direct Messaging: Transactions are conducted primarily through direct messaging, allowing vendors to avoid public scrutiny.

Payment Methods: Vendors frequently enough request payment via untraceable methods like online payment apps or bank transfers to avoid detection.

Delivery: products are typically delivered through discreet methods, often involving meeting in person or utilizing delivery services without age verification.

Targeted advertising: Vendors utilize Snapchat’s features to target younger demographics with appealing vape flavors and promotions.

Health Risks Associated with Teen Vaping

The health risks associated with vaping, especially for developing adolescents, are notable.

Nicotine Addiction: most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm brain development.

lung Damage: Vaping has been linked to serious lung illnesses, including EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury).

Cardiovascular Issues: Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems.

Gateway to Smoking: Studies suggest that vaping can increase the likelihood of teens eventually starting to smoke traditional cigarettes.

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Vape aerosols contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and ultrafine particles, that can damage the lungs.

regulatory Challenges and Enforcement

Combating illegal vape sales on Snapchat presents several challenges for regulators:

Anonymity: The platform’s emphasis on privacy makes it difficult to identify and track down vendors.

Ephemeral Content: Disappearing messages hinder investigations and evidence gathering.

Cross-border Sales: Vendors can operate from different locations, making enforcement more complex.

Snapchat’s Response: While Snapchat has policies prohibiting the sale of regulated products, enforcement has been criticized as being insufficient.the platform relies heavily on user reporting, which can be slow and inconsistent.

What is Being Done?

several initiatives are underway to address this issue:

1. Increased Awareness Campaigns: Public health organizations are launching campaigns to educate teens and parents about the dangers of vaping and the risks associated with purchasing vapes online.
2. Stricter Enforcement: Dutch authorities are working to improve enforcement of existing regulations and explore new legal avenues to combat illegal vape sales.
3. Collaboration with Social Media Platforms: Regulators are urging Snapchat and other platforms to take more proactive steps to identify and remove illegal vape vendors.
4. Parental Controls & Monitoring: Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s social media activity and have open conversations about the risks of vaping.
5. Age Verification Technologies: Development and implementation of more robust age verification technologies on social media platforms.

The Role of Flavors in Attracting Youth

Flavored vapes are a major driver of youth vaping. Sweet and appealing flavors like fruit, candy, and dessert mask the harshness of nicotine, making vaping more attractive to young people. many countries, including the Netherlands, are considering or have already implemented restrictions on flavored vape products to reduce their appeal to teens. Research consistently shows a correlation between the availability of flavored vapes and increased youth vaping rates.

Practical Tips for Parents

Talk to Your Teen: Have open and honest conversations about the dangers of vaping and the risks associated with social media.

Monitor Social Media Activity: Be aware of the platforms your teen is using and monitor their activity (respecting their privacy while ensuring their safety).

No the Signs of Vaping: be aware of the physical and behavioral signs of vaping, such as a sweet or fruity smell, increased thirst, and changes in mood or behavior.

Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and consequences regarding vaping and social media use.

Lead by Example: If you smoke or vape, consider quitting to set a positive example for your teen.

Resources and Further Facts

Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM): https://www.rivm.nl/en

* Smoke-Free Netherlands: [https://wwwrook[https://wwwrook