Young people and vaping
Children and young people should not vape. Most vapes contain nicotine, and children and young people may be more at risk from its effects, including addiction.
Vapes also expose users to some toxins, and we do not yet know what the risks might be in the longer term.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free and should only be used by adults as a tool for quitting smoking.
What is the legal age for buying vapes?
In the UK, it is illegal to sell vaping and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18, or for adults to buy them on their behalf.
If you find a retailer selling vapes or nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18, you can report them to Trading Standards on Citizens Advice: Reporting to Trading Services.
Under 18?
If you're under 18 and want to know the facts about vaping, visit Vapes on the FRANK website.
What should young people know about vaping?
Parents, carers and anyone working with children or young people can help them understand the health risks and the law on vaping, so they can make informed choices.
Facts to tell young people about vaping
- Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking – not something for non-smokers, children and young people to try.
- Vaping is less harmful than smoking but that does not mean it is harmless.
- Vaping exposes users to some toxins, and we do not yet know what the risks might be in the longer term.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that can be hard to stop using once you have started.
- In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping and nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18, or for adults to buy them on their behalf.
- It's illegal for disposable vapes to be sold or supplied in the UK.
Find out more
FRANK: Vapes
Quick info about vapes for under-18s, from what is in them, to how they might make you feel and the health risks.
FRANK: Nicotine
Facts about nicotine for under-18s, including the different levels of risk depending on how you take it.