Vaping and young people

We do not know the long-term health impact of vaping. But we know that it is not harm-free.

Young people who vape are more likely to:

• start smoking cigarettes
• become dependent on nicotine
• have negative effects from nicotine and other chemicals
• become dependent on other substances

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

Nicotine and mental health

Other risks of vaping

Other risks linked with vaping include:

• changes to how your heart, lungs and other organs work
• problems sleeping
• mental health difficulties, such as low mood
• injuries - for example, from defective batteries in a device
• poisoning and exposure to toxins

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:

• cannabidiol (CBD)
• hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)
• other drugs

Talking to your child about nicotine and vaping

Have regular and open conversations about vaping and other nicotine products. 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, if you see a young person vaping, ask your child what they think.

Things you can tell your child about vaping and nicotine include:

• most vapes contain nicotine - even some sold as 0% nicotine
• how nicotine affects their developing brain
• vape liquid contains other chemicals that are harmful
• most young people do not vape
• it's OK to say no to your friends when you do not want to do something
• the tobacco industry owns most vape brands
• vape companies target young people with certain vape flavours and devices
• the effects of other nicotine products such as pouches

Smokeless nicotine and tobacco products

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

Give them accurate information and offer your support.

Tell them you can:

• help them stop vaping
• find healthy ways to cope with stress or peer pressure

It may take several conversations.

Stress - tips and self-help

Anxiety - tips and self-help

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.

Ask your GP about the programme in your area.