Dublin (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Nina Carberry warns of rising Spice vape use in Irish schools, urging the European Commission to strengthen online regulations to protect children from this dangerous trend.
What Is the Growing Threat of Spice Vapes in Ireland?
A FINE GAEL member of the European Parliament has given a stark warning about the increasing threat of Spice vape usage among schoolchildren in Ireland. Ex-jockey and current MEP for the Midlands Northwest Constituency, Nina Carberry said that recent findings show that one in six vapes tested in schools across England include Spice, a synthetic cannabinoid with extreme health risks, and there are increasing worries about similar trends emerging in Irish schools.
How Can the European Commission Combat Online Sales of Spice Vapes?
MEP Carberry highlights the critical position that the European Commission can play in fighting the online sale of illegal vapes. Through the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Commission can implement stricter regulations on online platforms, making it more challenging for illegal Spice vapes to be sold and circulated to minors in Ireland.
What Role Do the DSA and DMA Play in Regulating Vapes?
“The DSA and DMA provide us with the mechanisms to increase transparency and accountability for online platforms,” stated MEP Carberry. “By implementing these limitations, we can better protect our children from the dangers of Spice vapes and ensure these dangerous products are not accessible online.”
With the return to school looming, MEP Carberry highlights the urgency of addressing this topic as students head back to classrooms. The time is now for parents, educators, and communities in Ireland to unite in increasing awareness and taking preventive action.
“This is not just a concern for other countries—it’s a growing issue here in Ireland,” said MEP Carberry. “We must be proactive in protecting our children, and I call on the European Commission to fully employ the DSA and DMA to address the online sale of these dangerous substances.”
A recent instance of the problem with vapes comes from a 14-year-old student in England who became addicted to Spice vapes. He explained how his dependence on the drug took over his life, leading him to utilise it constantly, even during school time. This case highlights the rugged and dangerous effects of Spice, which can provoke dizziness, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, psychosis, and seizures.
“The safety of our children is important, and we cannot ignore the growing proof that Spice vapes are infiltrating our schools. Legislators, parents, educators, and communities across Ireland must function together to prevent this dangerous movement from taking hold,” MEP Carberry contended.
