Why Do Teens Vape? Learn The Facts

Teen vaping is on the rise in the UK, with nearly 1 million 11–17-year-olds having tried it at least once  [According to the ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey, about 18% of 11-17-year-olds in the UK have tried vaping as of 2024, which equates to around 980,000 children]. Behind this growing trend are real pressures, emotions, and misunderstandings. As parents, teachers, and community members, we need to understand why – and how to respond before experimentation turns into addiction.

Top 6 Reasons Teens Choose to Vape

Friends and Social Pressure

Most teens start vaping because their mates are doing it. Studies show the number one reason young people try e-cigarettes is because "a friend used them" [The US CDC reports that the most common reason middle and high school students give for trying an e-cigarette is "a friend used them"]. About 1 in 3 teen vapers get their devices from friends [Research shows nearly a third of young vapers get their devices from friends].

To Feel Relaxed or Less Stressed

Research from 2023 found that relaxation is the main reason teens vape, with over 70% of regular vapers saying this is why they do it [Recent research from the University of Michigan found that relaxation is the most common reason cited for vaping across all grade levels... among near-daily vapers, over 70% cited relaxation as their motivation]. Many use vaping to cope with:

• Feeling anxious

• Being stressed at school

• Dealing with depression [Many teenagers report vaping to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. The American Heart Association found that approximately 60-70% of teen vapers reported experiencing anxiety symptoms compared to 40% of non-vapers]

Boredom

Teens often vape simply because they're bored. This ranks in the top three reasons across all age groups. When they have nothing to do, vaping becomes something to fill the time.

Sweet Flavours That Appeal to Young People

Nearly 9 out of 10 young vapers use flavoured products [Nearly 9 out of 10 middle and high school students who use e-cigarettes use flavored products]. The most popular flavours are:

Flavour Type | Popularity

-------------|----------

Fruit        | Highest

Candy/Sweet  | Very High

Mint         | High

These tasty options make vaping seem fun and harmless [Research shows most youth who use e-cigarettes first start with a flavored variety, with fruit, candy, and mint being the most commonly used flavors].

Easy to Hide from Adults

Unlike cigarettes, vapes:

• Don't leave a strong smell

• Can look like USB sticks or pens

• Are easy to hide in school bags or pockets

• Can be used discreetly, even in bedrooms

But just because it’s easy to hide doesn’t mean it’s allowed. Is It Illegal to Vape Indoors?

They Think It's Not Harmful

Many teens believe vaping is much safer than smoking. While vaping is less harmful than cigarettes for adult smokers, it still poses serious risks for young people [While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking for adults, it is not risk-free, especially for young developing brains].

The Real Health Risks of Vaping for Teens

Effects on Growing Brains

The teen brain is still developing until about age 25. Nicotine can:

• Damage attention and learning

• Affect memory

• Change how the brain develops

• Create stronger addiction than in adults [The adolescent brain is uniquely susceptible to nicotine because it's still developing. Nicotine addiction can impact attention span, learning ability, and mood regulation in teens. Researchers have observed that while vaping initially may increase alertness, over time teens experience decreases in attention span and focus]

Physical Health Problems

Vaping isn't just about nicotine. It can lead to:

• Breathing problems and coughing [Vaping has been linked to various respiratory problems. Studies have found that vaping causes lung irritation similar to what's seen in smokers and people with lung disease]

• Reduced fitness and sports performance [Some teen athletes have reported decreased performance (such as slower swim times) due to reduced cardiovascular function after beginning to vape]

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure [Medical professionals have observed that vaping increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can impact circulatory health]

• Serious lung damage in some cases [The recent reports of serious lung illnesses and deaths attributed to vaping have raised significant concerns among health professionals]

Gateway to Smoking

Research shows teens who vape are 4 times more likely to start smoking normal cigarettes later on [Research shows that teens who vape (but were not previously smokers) are more than four times as likely to move away from perceiving cigarettes as risky, and are much more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes later].

How Parents and Teachers Can Help

Start a Conversation, Not a Lecture

"Have you noticed kids at school vaping?" works better than "You better not be vaping!" Ask what they think about it before sharing facts.

Know the Signs of Vaping

Watch for:

• Sweet, unusual smells

• Increased thirst (nicotine dries the mouth)

• Unfamiliar gadgets or packaging

• Changes in behaviour or mood

• Decreased sports performance

Offer Better Ways to Handle Stress

Since many teens vape to relax, help them find healthier options:

• Physical activity

• Creative hobbies

• Mindfulness or breathing exercises

• Talking about problems

Be Clear About Rules and Consequences

Set firm boundaries about vaping and follow through consistently if rules are broken.

UK Rules on Teen Vaping

In the UK:

• It's illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18 [It is illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18 years of age]

• It's against the law for adults to buy vapes for under-18s [It is illegal for adults to buy vaping products on behalf of minors]

• You can report shops selling to minors through the Citizens Advice online portal

Despite these laws, 72% of UK 11-17 year-olds report seeing vape promotions, mostly in shops (55%) and online (29%).

Want to know more? Can You Vape in the UK?

Where to Get Help

If a young person is already vaping regularly, they might need help to stop:

• Talk to your GP about local stop smoking services

• Visit the FRANK website for facts about vaping (suitable for teens)

• Speak to school counsellors who may have resources

At TheVapez, we believe vaping products are for adult smokers only. We strictly check ages for all purchases and support efforts to prevent teen vaping 

Explore responsibly designed devices like the Hayati Pro Max Plus 6000 — intended only for adult smokers.