Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.
Why is vaping bad for teens? Vaping is bad for teens because it can cause extreme nicotine addiction, loss of concentration, lung illness, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and damage to the immune system.
Encourage them to have a plan
Talk to your teen about how they will manage cravings and temptation if they are around peers who vape. Help them build a list of actions and activities they can use to distract themselves when cravings strike. The quitSTART app has games and challenges to help people quit.
A: The federal minimum age to purchase e-cigarette products is 18, but the laws vary by state – 49 states have set a minimum age that is older than 18.
Furthermore, while federal law allows 18-year-olds to purchase tobacco products, some states put the minimum age at 21. Pay close attention to your state's evolving laws to avoid conflict while purchasing or using e-cigarettes.
Under state and territory laws, it is illegal to possess, supply or sell nicotine containing e-cigarettes, except: in specific circumstances. and when they are being supplied or accessed through a prescription.
You must be 18 years or older to vape in Australia. You must be 18 years or older to buy a vape in Australia. To get a nicotine prescription in Australia, you must be 18 years or older. In most states, it is illegal to vape in cars with someone under the age of 16 present.
Now that you are aware of the hazards brought by e-cigarettes, you have every right to punish your teen for vaping. It does not matter if they are only using it for recreational purposes. Vaping is still addictive and damaging. Some ways to punish your child are scolding and grounding them.
The government has also announced today that there will be a review into banning the vaping industry selling 'nicotine-free' vapes to under 18s. This will ensure our rules keep up with the way that vaping products are being used.
However, for the 30% who did buy their own vape, close to half (49%) bought it from a friend or another individual, and 31% bought it from a retailer such as a petrol station, tobacconist or convenience store. Teens also said they bought vapes through social media, at vape stores and via websites.
The NSW Population Health Survey estimated that in 2021, 16.2% of adults had ever used e-cigarettes and 5.5% were current (daily or occasional) users. In 2020–21, use of e-cigarettes was highest among persons aged 16-24 years, for both ever use (32.7%) and current use (11.1%).
Vaping overall, even without nicotine, can have harmful effects. Vaping, the act of vaporizing a liquid to inhale, is an increasingly popular alternative to cigarette smoking. However, it could damage health by irritating the lungs and throat and introducing toxins into the body.
Nicotine from e-cigarettes also reduces the saliva in your mouth. Lack of saliva can lead to dry mouth, plaque buildup, increased bacteria, and ultimately tooth decay. Nicotine inhaled during vaping acts as a muscle stimulant. This can cause you to grind your teeth (bruxism) or can make the problem worse.
While vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, it is unlikely to be totally harmless. Ideally, if you are vaping to quit smoking, you should aim to eventually stop vaping too. The healthiest option is not to smoke or vape. If you do not smoke, do not start vaping.
The chemicals in vaping are not safe for babies or kids
The chemicals found in vape "smoke" are different from those found in cigarette smoke. “E-cigarettes commonly contain propylene glycol and glycerol. These substances can decompose to form formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which are known carcinogens,” says Dr. Ambler.
Swallowing the vapor before breathing out gently through your nose is a good way of eliminating the visible evidence of your vape device. Sometimes an extra breath between inhaling and exhaling can also combat vapor. Just be sure your initial breath isn't so deep that a second breath is impossible.
Try changing your daily routine to avoid “triggers” that cause you to want to vape. It may be best to avoid certain situations in the early stages of quitting. Prepare for cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Learn about stress-reducing activities like meditation or taking a brisk walk to keep yourself busy.
Vaping is illegal for those under 18 in Australia. It is also illegal to sell vaping products (with or without nicotine) to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Vaping nicotine is legal in Australia only with a GP's prescription.
If you are under 18, it is illegal for someone to sell you any kind of e-cigarette (it doesn't matter if it contains nicotine, or not). It is also illegal for someone who is aged 18 or over to buy a vape for you.
1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale.