TY - JOUR

T1 - Vaping in children and young people (and why it’s a bad idea)

AU - Isba, Rachel

AU - Brewster, Liz

PY - 2025/8/1

Y1 - 2025/8/1

N2 - It is illegal for under-18s to buy vapes (e-cigarettes) in the UK, but evidence suggests that vaping amongst children and young people is a growing issue. Although recommended as a cessation aid for tobacco smoking in adults, the rationale for introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to “create a smokefree generation and tackle youth vaping” recognises the potential for harm caused by children and young people using vapes. Many vapes contain nicotine, and while the effects of nicotine from tobacco are well-established, much is unknown about the impacts of vaping-associated nicotine dependence. It is unlikely that vaping is entirely risk-free to health, particularly as nicotine is highly addictive. The wider context of how children and young people access vapes and why they use them also needs to be accounted for in identifying additional impact. Paediatricians need an awareness of prevention and cessation interventions, including how to start a supportive conversation around vaping and vaping cessation. The production and disposal of vapes also raises significant environmental concerns, so reducing vaping levels is also important for sustainability. Supporting children and young people to be nicotine free should be a public health priority.

AB - It is illegal for under-18s to buy vapes (e-cigarettes) in the UK, but evidence suggests that vaping amongst children and young people is a growing issue. Although recommended as a cessation aid for tobacco smoking in adults, the rationale for introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to “create a smokefree generation and tackle youth vaping” recognises the potential for harm caused by children and young people using vapes. Many vapes contain nicotine, and while the effects of nicotine from tobacco are well-established, much is unknown about the impacts of vaping-associated nicotine dependence. It is unlikely that vaping is entirely risk-free to health, particularly as nicotine is highly addictive. The wider context of how children and young people access vapes and why they use them also needs to be accounted for in identifying additional impact. Paediatricians need an awareness of prevention and cessation interventions, including how to start a supportive conversation around vaping and vaping cessation. The production and disposal of vapes also raises significant environmental concerns, so reducing vaping levels is also important for sustainability. Supporting children and young people to be nicotine free should be a public health priority.

U2 - 10.1016/j.paed.2025.08.001

DO - 10.1016/j.paed.2025.08.001

M3 - Journal article

JO - Paediatrics and Child Health

JF - Paediatrics and Child Health

ER -