A better Medway

Vaping

Young people and vaping

Find out more about:

Side effects of vaping

The short-term side effects of vaping include:

  • coughing
  • sore throats
  • headaches
  • feeling dizzy.

Vaping is not risk free and should not be used by children or young people.

Young people’s lungs and brain are still developing so you may be more sensitive to its effects.

The long-term effects of vaping are still not known. Studies are taking place in the UK and worldwide every year.

It's important to remember that:

  • nicotine creates short-term calmness which can make your stress levels worse over time
  • vaping is not harmless and comes with side effects
  • most young people do not vape.

Visit the Talk to Frank website for more information about vapes.

Support to stop vaping

Vapes contain nicotine which is addictive. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • cravings
  • irritability
  • trouble sleeping
  • feeling hungry
  • difficulty concentrating.

You can reduce your vaping safely before stopping. Try:

  • taking longer gaps between vaping
  • creating vape free spaces, such as your bedroom, and expand these over time
  • speak to an adult about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Find out more about NRT.

To stop vaping safely, you can try these steps:

  • set a quit date
  • find a friend to team up with
  • get rid of all of your vapes and e-liquid safely. Find out how to dispose of vapes
  • think about what coping strategies to use to help with nicotine withdrawal
  • get support from family and friends.

If you're worried that if you stop vaping you'll start smoking, visit our stop smoking support page.

Managing stress

Nicotine mimics brain chemicals to create a short-lived feeling of calmness.

Over time this can make stress worse, not better.

To manage your stress, try:

  • taking one breath at a time - breathe in slowly through your nose, out through your mouth
  • moving around - walk, dance, stretch. Being active can help you feel good
  • focusing on looking after yourself - sleep, food, and water matter. Skipping them makes stress worse.

Further support

You can also contact a school nurse by texting: 07480 635 786.

Stop smoking support for young people

If you're worried that you'll start smoking if you stop vaping, free stop smoking support is available in Medway.

You can receive help from our team in person or over the phone.

Find out more about our face to face or telephone support.

Exposure to nicotine at a young age can make you more at risk of long-term dependency.