Vaping

Having conversations with children and young people about vaping

Find the right moment when you see someone vaping, walk past a vape shop or see advertisements.

Ask questions what do they think about vaping? Do they know people who vape? Why do they think people vape?

Listen to them learn from them, but also use your knowledge to help them understand the facts and that vapes are not harmless.

Talk about your expectations explain your concerns and tell them why you don’t want them to vape or smoke and to make clear that although neither are recommended, smoking is the far greater risk.

Let them know that you care about them explain that those who knowingly sell vapes to under 18s don’t care who they sell to and they are just interested in making money

Talk about the different reasons why children may vape give examples such as wanting to fit in, curiosity, stress. Talk through effective ways to respond if they ever feel pressured to try it and practise responding together.

If your child is vaping try to understand why they are vaping by asking questions like “What do you enjoy about vaping?” Or “How does vaping make you feel?”. Understanding this might help you to understand their needs and discuss other ways to meet those needs.

The Law

It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone under the age of 18.  Shops who sell vapes to children are breaking the law and can be prosecuted.

Vapes are regulated in the UK.  Shops that sell unregulated vapes are breaking the law.

Actions can be taken against any trader selling vapes to underage customers or selling illegal products, including seizing products, written warnings to retailers and formal criminal investigations.

To be legally sold in the UK, nicotine containing vapes must:

• Contain 20 mg/ml or less of nicotine (equivalent to 2% or less)
• Not have a capacity of more than 2ml in a single use cartridge
• Carry the health warning 'This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.'
• Be notified to the MHRA and listed on its website

Illegal vapes can cause serious harm as they are unregulated and may contain unsafe levels of metals such as nickel, lead and other harmful substances.