Vaping: What you need to know

Understanding the ins and outs of vaping is crucial for young individuals to make informed decisions.
As parents, caregivers, or mentors, it’s important to ensure children grasp the health implications and legalities surrounding vaping.
Facts to tell young people about vaping:
- Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking – not something for non-smokers, especially children and young people to try.
- Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking but that does not mean it is harmless.
- Vaping exposes users to some toxins, and we do not yet know what the risks might be in the longer term.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that can be hard to stop using once you have started.
- Nicotine is more risky for young people than for adults, as evidence suggests the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive effects.
- In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to under-18s or for adults to buy them on their behalf.
Additionally, it’s essential to be wary of illegally sold disposable vapes, as they may harbour harmful substances and lack quality checks. Always purchase vaping products from reputable sources such as specialist vape shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, or UK-based online retailers to ensure they meet safety and quality regulations.
Useful Links:
FRANK: Vapes
Childline: What is vaping?