Vapes come in bright colours and sweet flavours, and they are often sold as a safer, cooler choice than smoking. Here is what is really going on, so you can make your own informed decision.
What is vaping?
A vape (e-cigarette) heats a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe deep into your lungs. The liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings and a mix of other chemicals. Many vapes sold as “nicotine-free” have been found to contain nicotine anyway, so you can’t always trust the label.
Why do people vape?
The designs look sleek, the flavours taste like fruit, lollies or dessert, and there is no smoky smell. Lots of people assume that means it is harmless. It isn’t.
The health risks
Nicotine addiction
Nicotine is highly addictive, and teenagers get hooked faster than adults. Once you are dependent, you may feel anxious, irritable or unable to concentrate without it. Stopping can be hard, and some people end up dependent for years.
Your developing brain
Your brain keeps developing until your mid-twenties. Nicotine can affect attention, learning, mood and impulse control while it is still growing. It may also make it easier to become addicted to other substances later.
Your lungs
Vaping can irritate and inflame your airways, causing coughing, wheezing and worse asthma. The aerosol carries chemicals and tiny particles into your lungs. Some of them are known to be harmful.
What we don’t know yet
Vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know its long-term effects. Being less harmful than cigarettes doesn’t make it safe.
The law in Australia
Vapes can now only be sold legally by pharmacies, to help people stop smoking. People under 18 need a prescription. Being caught with vapes at school can lead to disciplinary action, and selling vapes to young people is illegal.
Social media and friends can make vaping look normal. It is still your call, and plenty of people your age choose not to vape.
If you want to stop
- Talk to us. Your GP can help you make a plan to quit, deal with cravings, and sort out whether any medicine might help. What you tell us is confidential. Read more about confidentiality for teens.
- Call Quitline on 13 78 48 for free, friendly support. You can also ask them to call you.
- Find other ways to handle stress. Sport, music, time outdoors, or anything that keeps your hands and mind busy can help with cravings.
- Tell someone you trust, like a parent, school nurse or counsellor, so they can back you up.
For parents
Stay curious rather than angry. Ask what your teen knows about vaping and listen before you lecture. If they are already vaping, nicotine withdrawal can make them irritable and anxious, and they may need help to stop. Book them in with one of our GPs, or call Quitline together.