A prominent education group is calling on the government to completely ban
heated tobacco products, warning they pose serious risks to young people.

The Action Alliance on Basic Education Youth warned that e-cigarettes and
heated tobacco can act as gateways to nicotine addiction, and may even be
used as channels for illegal drugs.

The alliance says that even though Taiwan bans e-cigarettes, authorities
recently approved several heated-tobacco devices and cartridges, many of
which are flavored.

They say these products carry similar dangers.

The group argues that flavored and toy-like designs are major factors drawing
young people in, pointing out that teens lacking psychological support are
most vulnerable to marketing and peer pressure.

They're urging the government to strengthen teacher training, improve
prevention efforts, tighten regulations, and build better mental-health
support systems for young people.

(IG)