Why Young People Vape
Children and Young People use vape (e-cigarettes) for various reasons.
According to findings from the 2025 ASH (Action on smoking and health) Smokefree GB Youth Survey on vaping among 11–17-year-olds in Great Britain.
Key findings include:
- 20% of 11–17-year-olds have tried vaping, an estimated 1.1 million. This is unchanged since 2023.
- 7% currently vape, an estimated 400k, with 40% vaping daily, an estimated 160k.
- Ever smoking (people who have tried smoking) among youth increased from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025, raising concerns.
- Perceived harm from vaping is increasing: 63% of young people believe vaping is as or more harmful than smoking.
Do you, or someone you know, fall into any of the above categories?
The key message is that vapes are not for children and young people. We don’t know the long-term effects of vaping on our health yet – so don’t use them.
Let’s look at the information on vapes in more detail.
What is a vape?
A vape which is also known as e-cigarette is an electronic device used to stop smoking tobacco. This means that it is used to help people who smoke, to quit.
So, in a very short summary, IF YOU DON’T SMOKE, YOU DON’T NEED TO VAPE.
An easy comparison would be that people who experience headaches use pain relief medication, these are not taken just because people ‘want to give them a try’.
Vapes should be treated in a similar way, only to be used by Adults who smoke, to help them quit.
What you need to know about vaping
- Vaping is not risk-free, and it is not recommended for nonsmokers or those under the age of 18.
- In the UK it is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to someone under the age of 18, or for adults to buy these products for them.
- Vaping leads to a risk of addiction because vapes can contain nicotine which is highly addictive.
What vaping can cost you
- It may negatively affect school and home life
- Do your parents or other family members know you vape?
- Vapes cost money which could be spent on other things eg hobbies, clothes etc
- If the vape contains nicotine you may become dependent making giving up even more challenging.
Possible short-term effects of vaping
- Dry mouth and throat
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nausea (feeling like you are going to be sick)
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling distracted
- Anxiety
- Mood disorders
Who we can support
Our free programmes are available to:
Local Residents
Aged 12 and over
So if you meet the above, please contact us today and start your journey towards better health.