Vaping
Vapes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid until it becomes a mist. When sucking on the vape, the mist is breathed in. Vapes can come with nicotine or without nicotine and in a variety of flavours.
However, most vapes on the market do contain nicotine, an addictive substance. This means after using nicotine vapes you may feel uncomfortable or unable to concentrate. You may also feel like you want to vape more.
A vape is intended to be used by adult smokers to help them give up cigarettes. The reason vapes are used to help quit smoking is because they don’t contain the tobacco that cigarettes do. Although vapes are safer than cigarettes and are not as harmful we still don’t know how safe they are and anyone under 18 years old should not be vaping. Therefore, if you don’t smoke, health advice is not to start vaping.
Nicotine addiction
Nicotine, which is added to vaping liquid, is a highly addictive substance designed to keep users hooked. Children and young people are especially vulnerable, as their developing lungs and brains are more sensitive to the harmful effects of vaping. This exposure can negatively impact learning, memory, and attention. Furthermore, young people who vape may be at greater risk of progressing to regular cigarette use in the future.
Common side effects of vaping
The common side effects children and young people may experience due to vaping are:
- Coughing
- Dry/sore mouth and throat
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
The long-term effects on young people’s health is still unknown.
Local support
QuitReady Leicestershire & Rutland offer free support to young people to quit smoking or vaping. You can complete a referral form, or call 0345 646 6666 or e-mail quitreadyyp@leics.gov.uk
Vaping and the law
True or false?
True – Disposable vapes are now banned in the UK since June 2025
True or false?
True – it is a criminal offence to sell these devices to anyone under 18 years of age
True or false?
False – It is a criminal offence for adults to purchase vapes on behalf of anyone under 18
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