Dangers of Vaping
While vaping is a major concern for secondary school-aged children, there are concerning statistics for younger children as well: about 12% of children aged 8 to 15 have ever used an e-cigarette, according to a 2022 survey. A more recent survey found that nearly half of the children caught vaping were under 11. Children are also increasingly exposed to vape promotions and can access vapes through friends or by taking them without permission from family members.
E-cigarette use in children aged 8-15
Ever used: In 2022, 12% of children aged 8 to 15 had ever used an e-cigarette.
Trends: The proportion of children who had ever used e-cigarettes has varied between 7% and 12% from 2016 to 2022.
Younger children (under 11)
Age of first use: Alarmingly, about half of children who have been caught vaping are under the age of 11.
Access: Children are obtaining vapes by buying them from friends at school, taking them from family members, or buying them online.
Discovery: Parents are finding disposable vapes in their children's school bags and bedrooms.
Broader trends for young people
Exposure to promotion: 72% of 11- to 17-year-olds report being exposed to some form of vape promotion, primarily in shops and online.
Source of vapes: 48% of 11- to 17-year-olds report purchasing vapes from shops, even though selling to those under 18 is illegal.
Disposable vapes: These are the most common type of vape used by young people, says The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Please see a link to a vaping reporting tool for children and young people who are concerned about friends buying and using vapes that has been launched by London Trading Standards: