Children and young people are more at risk of the negative effects of vaping.
Young people who vape are more likely to:
- become dependent on nicotine - nicotine is a very addictive chemical
- have health problems or mental health difficulties because of the effects of nicotine and other chemicals
- start smoking cigarettes
- become dependent on other substances
Most young people do not vape. But vaping use in young people under age 18 has increased in recent years. About 1 in 5 people under age 18 say they vape.
Nicotine and the developing brain
Vape liquids can contain high levels of nicotine. The amount of nicotine you inhale from a vape can vary.
Some product labels do not have accurate information about nicotine levels. The liquid may contain more nicotine than what the label shows. Some vape liquids sold as 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.
Children and young people are more at risk of the negative effects of nicotine.
These include problems with:
- attention and learning
- mood
- impulse control
- anxiety
Other risks of vaping
Other risks linked with vaping include:
- damage to your heart, lungs and blood vessels
- problems sleeping
- mental health difficulties, such as low mood
- exposure to toxins
- injuries from batteries or nicotine poisoning - but this is less common
Over time these risks may cause diseases such as heart disease, lung disease and cancer.
Vape liquid often contains chemicals such as colours and flavourings. These chemicals can be harmful when you inhale them into your lungs.
The risk of lung damage and other health risks increases if you use vape liquids that contain drugs. For example, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
Talking to your child about nicotine and vaping
Have regular and open conversations about vaping and other nicotine products such as pouches. This will help your child to make informed decisions as they get older.
You do not need to have a specific talk. Use opportunities as they come up.
For example, you could ask your child what they think if you see:
- a young person vaping or smoking
- an ad for vape products or nicotine pouches
- a shop that sells vape products
Smokeless nicotine and tobacco products
Give information for their age
You can give more detailed information as your child gets older. Explain that the effects are serious. But you do not need to make the effects seem frightening. Young people may not listen if they think you are exaggerating the risks.
Under age 4
You do not need to talk to very young children about vaping or smoking. But if your child asks a question, answer it in a simple way.
Very young children learn things by watching their parents and other adults. You can show them how you want them to behave by not vaping or smoking around them.
If you want to quit vaping or smoking
We have advice on:
If you're not sure you're ready to quit, you can still talk to an advisor. They can help you understand your smoking pattern and the pros and cons of quitting.
Age 4 to 7
Give simple information about vaping. For example, vapes contain chemicals that are bad for your body.
Explain that vaping is not for children because their brain is still growing.
Age 8 to 11
Give more detailed information about the effects of vaping.
You can talk about:
- short-term effects - such as feeling anxious or problems sleeping
- long-term effects - such as damage to your heart
- how it's OK to say no to your friends when you do not want to do something
Age 12 to 17
Ask your child what they think about vaping.
Make it clear that you do not want them to vape and explain why. Tell them you will not buy them vapes or nicotine pouches.
You can give them specific information on vaping, such as:
- most vapes contain nicotine - even some sold as 0% nicotine
- how nicotine affects their brain
- vape liquid contains other chemicals that are harmful
- the tobacco industry owns most vape brands - they continue to sell and profit from products that they know harm people
- vape companies target young people - for example, with certain vape flavours and devices
- the risks of smoking or vaping other substances
- the effects of other nicotine products such as nicotine pouches
Vaping and smoking
You can explain to your child that young people who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes.
Vaping and smoking together also increases the risk of health problems. For example, heart problems and breathing problems.
The best thing you can do for your health is to never smoke.
Reasons not to vape or smoke
Talk about the effects of vaping and other nicotine products. But help your child find their own reasons not to vape or smoke.
For example, if they want to:
- protect the environment
- make their own choices and not be manipulated by advertising
- make sure the side effects of nicotine or vapes do not affect their other priorities - for example, school or sports
- protect their brain and mental health
- save their money for other things they enjoy
Signs of vape use
It can be hard to know if someone vapes.
Signs of vaping include:
- different smells on their clothes or in their room
- dehydration - they may drink more water than usual or have dark circles around their eyes
- nosebleeds
- coughing
- problems sleeping
- changes in their appetite
- being more irritable or anxious than usual
If your child's behaviour changes, it does not always mean they are vaping. Some mood changes are common for young people. If you are not sure, ask your child if they vape.
If your child vapes
Young people can be under a lot of pressure. Listen to them and let them know you are on their side.
Find a time when you are both calm to ask them:
- how much they vape
- how long they have been vaping
- if it is hard for them not to vape
- what they know about the risks of vaping or nicotine
- what they like and dislike about vaping
- the benefits of stopping vaping for them
- if they use other nicotine products such as pouches
- if they smoke cigarettes
Give them accurate information and offer to help them:
- stop vaping - how to quit vaping
- stop smoking - get help to quit smoking
- find healthy ways to cope with stress or peer pressure
It may take several conversations.
Quit4Youth
Quit4Youth is a programme for young people who want to stop smoking or vaping.
The programme runs for 7 weeks. Participants get support from a stop smoking advisor and other young people who want to quit.
Contact your local stop smoking service about Quit4Youth in your area.
Local stop smoking services can also support young people who want to quit smoking in other ways. Young people under age 16 need consent from a parent or guardian to access stop smoking services.
If you want to report vaping issues
It is illegal to sell vapes to children and young people under age 18.
Contact your local environment health office to report:
- the sale of vapes to people under age 18
- any negative effects you or your child have from using a vape