Vapes are electronic devices designed to deliver an aerosol into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes available and they can be difficult to spot.
Vapes may contain harmful chemicals that aren’t listed on the pack. When inhaled, the aerosol from vapes can contain over 200 chemicals. Vapes almost always contain nicotine, even if the label doesn’t say so.
The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe.
The flavours (such as strawberry-watermelon, blueberry ice, grape, mango magic and banana buzz) and colourful packaging used for vapes make them appealing to young people. Almost all vapes contain nicotine, which young people can become addicted to very quickly.
Tobacco companies are continuously looking for new customers. Vapes are a new way to get young people addicted to nicotine.
Some young people may see vaping as a normal or safe thing to do, but that is not the case. Vapes are not safe.
It is important to let your young person know the risks of vaping.
Try to start the conversation with your young person in a relaxed easy- going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about it, or seeing people vaping on the street.
And have your facts ready.
Research shows that 1 in 5 young people have vaped.
You may not know your young person is vaping as vapes are small and resemble common items like highlighters, toys and USB drives.
Signs that your young person might be vaping include the symptoms of nicotine addiction such as your young person feeling irritable or anxious.
Having a conversation with your young person is the first step to supporting them to quit. Let them know that help is available and you are there for them.
It also helps to set a good example by being tobacco and vape-free yourself.
It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone, unless they are obtained from a pharmacy for smoking cessation. People under 18 years of age also need a prescription from a doctor. Many young people purchase their vapes from friends and contacts using social media.
There are also retailers who illegally sell vapes, including to young people. This is a crime. If you suspect someone is illegally selling vapes, you can report it to NSW Health via its website or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
Stopping vaping can sometimes be hard and your young person may need advice from a health professional. Ask them if they would like to talk to a GP, school counsellor or call the Quitline on 13 7848, or if they would like you to do it on their behalf.
Individualised support is also available through the Pave app, which has been uniquely designed to keep you on track with your quit attempt. Learn more and download the app at www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/pave.
Do you know what they’re vaping? Get the facts at health.nsw.gov.au/vaping.