The alliance in Hungary is set to strengthen the protection of school-aged children against the Elf Bar phenomenon. Initiated by Hungary's Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH), the alliance was launched on 29 August and will work together with senior experts from the interior ministry, the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), the National Police (ORFK) and the Kopp Maria Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS).

Elf Bar is a vape product that looks harmless. It has no smell, it is trendy, reminiscent of children’s toys with its colourful packaging and with the fruits on the box giving the impression that it is a healthy product. Manufacturers openly target young people, often children aged 10-14, with this tobacco product. This is the reason why SZTFH considers it important to launch joint action to substantially curb the spread of Elf Bar around schools at the start of the school year, reads the official statement issued by the authority.

At the meeting, the parties agreed to train public institutions’ staff, including teachers and school guards, to be able to effectively provide information about the Elf Bar phenomenon or to take action when needed. A nation-wide campaign to inform parents is planned through the national education administration system (KRETA). The campaign will involve family organisations and will communicate on social media platforms. Students are warned about the dangers of the Elf Bar in lessons led by the form-teacher and on platforms popular with their peers.

“The fight against Elf Bar is a common cause, and we are doomed to fail if the state is not joined in this work by teachers, parents, family organisations and health professionals. The round table, jointly created and open to all stakeholders, aims to act quickly and effectively to tackle the current challenges facing our children, and to coordinate knowledge sharing and education to prevent future challenges. It is important that we work in alliance and effectively to protect school-age children from such threats,”

stressed Marcell Biro, head of the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities.