It’s crazy to think that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping, while one in 10 secondary school kids do it frequently. While many think vaping is “safer” than traditional cigarettes, this isn’t actually the case.
Yes, vapes contain fewer toxins than cigarettes, but it doesn’t mean they are risk-free. To give you an idea, cigarettes release over 7,000 chemicals when burned – vapes release 2,000. Both contain nicotine which is highly addictive, and the impact this has on children’s brain development is unfathomable.
If you’re a parent, you’ll definitely want to continue reading to learn all about vapes, their health risks, and long-term effects.
Let’s dive in.
The Dark Side Of Vapes: Health Risks
Vaping might seem harmless at first glance, but it’s far from it – especially for kids.
Although marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, vaping still exposes youngsters to nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can interfere with their brain development and cause other health issues.
Long-term effects of nicotine on brain development
Studies have shown that vaping causes long-term effects on functioning and brain development as younger brains are more susceptible to drug-induced alterations.
It can make it harder to learn, remember things, and even manage emotions. Not to mention, vaping can cause problems with cardiorespiratory function and dopamine receptors (a.k.a. “the reward hormone”), paving the way for addictive behaviours.
You see, adolescents’ brains are still developing well in their mid-to-late 20s and exposure to nicotine impacts neurodevelopment – a term referring to how the brain and nervous system grow and develop over time.
- Cognitive function: Nicotine exposure through e-cigarettes during teenage years has been linked to problems with attention, mood, learning, and memory. Studies show that nicotine affects certain brain pathways – known as synapses – which are essential for learning and memory functioning.
- Emotional regulation: Regular nicotine exposure severely affects the prefrontal cortex of teens – an area in the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, impulse, and emotion control. This can lead to long-lasting behavioural changes such as irrational thinking and wreak havoc on their mood, possibly resulting in anxiety and depression.
- Addiction: Teens who experiment with vapes are at higher risk of being dependent on nicotine and potentially other illegal substance addictions in the future.
Health risks caused by chronic nicotine use
Many kids think vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes because there is no (or very little) smoke. However, Children’s Health experts suggest that “vaping is as harmful to the body’s cardiovascular systems as cigarettes” and that vaping can also cause:
- Arterial stiffness (hardening of the heart’s arteries)
- Higher blood pressure
- Hyperinflammatory response (extreme inflammation), which can lead to blood clots and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Increased heart rate
- Released adrenaline
- Increased risk for lung and other cancers
- Chronic coughing
- Increased phlegm production
- Higher risk of infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
- Mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Vaping myths debunked
Here are a few common misconceptions about vaping, together with the facts to debunk them:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Vapes produce harmless water vapour. | Vapes produce aerosol, which looks like water vapour but contains nicotine, flavouring, and 30+ other chemicals. |
| Vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. | Vaping has risks, but they’re lower than the risks of smoking as they do not contain tar or carbon monoxide. |
| Vaping is not addictive. | Vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDSs) contain synthesised liquid nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. |
| Disposable vapes deliver as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes. | One cigarette generally has 10-15 milligrams (mg) of nicotine, whereas the highest legal UK level of nicotine in vapes is 40 mg – equivalent to roughly 4 or 5 cigarettes. |
The addictive nature of vaping vs traditional smoking
In 2017, the National Library of Medicine studied how addicted people were to nicotine from traditional tobacco vs e-cigarettes. They found that exclusive e-cigarette users took longer to reach for their respective products in the day compared to traditional smokers.
However, there are conflicting views on how addictive vapes are. Other research suggests vape pens can be just as addictive, if not more, as tobacco cigarettes.
Either way, it’s proven that vapes and cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, and both cause varying degrees of dependency in users.
Why Kids Start Vaping
There are many reasons why kids may vape, from peer pressure and the influence of social media to the allure of tantalising flavours or rebellion.
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- Peer pressure: Many kids start vaping because those around them are, even though they know they shouldn’t do it. The “need” for social acceptance may make them want to try vaping to fit in.
- Curiosity: Kids are naturally curious, which can lead them towards experimenting with vapes without fully understanding the risks involved.
- Social media influence: Influencers on social media platforms may glamourise vapes, making them seem trendy and cool.
- Environment: Research shows that kids who experience traumatic childhood events, like abuse or neglect, are more likely to start smoking or vaping.
- [Children’s mental health]: If youngsters battle to manage stress or suffer from depression or anxiety, they might be more prone to start vaping. Studies show that vape use was 64% higher in kids with high levels of stress compared to those with lower stress levels.
- Appealing flavours and packaging: E-cigarettes and other ENDS come in a variety of tempting flavours, such as strawberry milkshakes, cola lime, fruit punch, and mint. Not to mention, they’re packaged pretty well too. These indulgent flavours and funky designs may make vaping seem like a “good thing to try” to young, impressionable minds.
- Perceived lower risk: Many teens believe vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. While vapes do contain fewer toxins like tar and carbon monoxide, they still contain addictive chemicals and nicotine.
- Rebellion: Some teens may vape to rebel or push the boundaries against authority figures such as parents, caregivers, and teachers. Dabbling in “forbidden” behaviours may be appealing during this developmental stage.
Signs Your Child May Be Vaping
No parent wants to imagine their child vaping – but we cannot be naive either. If you suspect your child is vaping, here are some telltale signs to look out for:
Physical signs
- Unusual smells: Vape flavours often have a sweet or fruity smell.
- Coughing or shortness of breath: Vaping can irritate the lung’s airways, leading to a persistent cough or shortness of breath. You might find these conditions worsen at night or when your kid is playing sports.
- Changes in appetite: Nicotine is an appetite suppressant that can lead to weight loss or changes in eating habits.
- Increased thirst: Vaping dries out your kid’s mouth, throat and nose, which can cause them to be extra thirsty.
- Unexplained devices: Are there weird USB sticks, pens, or other strange electronics lying around at home? These unrecognisable devices may be vapes.
Behavioural signs
- Irritability: Nicotine can impact your child’s mood and behaviour, resulting in sudden mood swings and/or heightened irritability.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Symptoms like irritation, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or sleeping could indicate your child has nicotine withdrawal.
- Changes in friends: Is your child spending more time with a group of friends that vape? While this doesn’t mean they are vaping for sure, it’s something parents need to be aware of.
- Increased spending: We all know that teenagers want extra cash when hanging out with their friends, but if you notice their spending habits have changed drastically, it’s important to find out what they are spending their cash on. They might (or might not) be using the money for vapes.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to chat with your kid about your concerns. Open and honest communication is key in addressing this issue.
Parent Tip: How To Talk To Your Kid About Vaping
Whether you suspect your child is vaping or you want to take proactive measures to prevent it, open and honest communication is key. Here are a few ways you can broach the subject:
- Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet, private spot where you can have a conversation without any interruptions. Approach the subject with empathy and avoid being judgemental.
- Be open and honest: Express your concerns about vaping clearly and calmly. Ask your kid their thoughts on the subject, if any of their mates have tried vaping, or if they feel pressured to do so themselves. If your child admits that they currently vape, avoid blaming or lecturing and try to look at this from their point of view (as hard as it is!)
- Active listening: Give your child a chance to share their thoughts and feelings. Maybe something has been stressing them out, and that’s why they experimented with vaping.
- Ask open-ended questions: Avoid yes/no questions and encourage your child to talk about their vaping experiences. Use role-playing examples to help your child navigate any situations where they might feel pressured to experiment.
- Explain the health risks: Explain the health risks of vaping, including nicotine addiction and its long-term effects. Help your child understand the difference between myth and fact.
- Offer support: Let your kids know they can come to you with any questions or if they feel pressured to vape by friends.
- Lead by example: Actions speak louder than words. Be a good role model in the “no-vape” department.
Expert advice
Experts from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) suggest that parents should always have open, honest conversations about the health risks of vaping with their children. They also advise reminding kids that even though some of their peers may vape, they shouldn’t feel pressured to do the same just to fit in.
The Conversation Continues
Vaping might seem popular now, but it isn’t all fun and games – especially for kids.
By having open, honest conversations, understanding the long-term health effects, and paying attention to any red flags, you can protect your child/ren from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction.
Please share any of your experiences, tips or strategies in the comments section below – we’re in this together!
We’d love to hear what you think…
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