Vapes are not for children or non-smokers. In Scotland, it’s illegal to sell vapes or e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, or to buy them for someone who’s under 18.
There has been an increase in young people saying they’ve used a vape at least once in their lifetime.
In Scotland children as young as 11 years old have said they’ve used vapes. By the time they’re 15 years old, around a third of young people report having tried it.
Research on smoking has shown that nicotine is highly addictive. Someone who uses vapes may become addicted to nicotine and find it difficult to stop using it.
You can become addicted to nicotine within days of starting to use it, even if you only vape occasionally.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the inhaling (breathing in) of vapour created by an electronic device that can be known as a vape, e-cigarette or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). It can be called different names or nicknames.
Vapes work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid). The liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings.
Usually a vape has a container with a heating element. The container holds a nicotine cartridge containing liquid nicotine. When heated, the nicotine changes into a vapour. The nicotine and other ingredients are inhaled into the body.
The nicotine contained in many vapes is highly addictive. It can stop young people from concentrating on the activities they enjoy.
Vapes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Some can be disguised as items including pens and USB memory sticks.
Effects of nicotine
Most of what is known about the effects of nicotine comes from research into smoking.
Nicotine addiction
Research on smoking has shown that nicotine addiction can affect your mental health. It can make you tired, stressed and anxious. It can also affect your concentration and impact your ability to learn and study.
Nicotine addiction can lead to long-lasting changes in cognition (thinking), attention and memory. It can also lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
While the long term health effects are still being researched, organisations like Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Physicians all believe it’s unsafe for children and young people to vape. Vapes are not for children.
Nicotine withdrawal
When a person is dependent on (or addicted to) nicotine and stops using it, their body and brain have to get used to not having nicotine. This can result in temporary symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:
- irritability
- restlessness
- feeling anxious or depressed
- trouble sleeping
- problems concentrating
- craving nicotine
Nicotine withdrawal can also disrupt your sleep and may cause headaches.
Where to get help and advice if your child is vaping
Help is available if you want to help your child stop vaping.
Speak to:
- Quit Your Way Scotland
- your GP
Parent Club has advice about how to talk to your child about vaping.