Vaping and the young people around you

Just like with smoking, research shows having a parent, family or household member who vapes increases the likelihood a young person will take up vaping.

Vaping poses health risks to young people and can expose them to a lifetime of nicotine dependence. It can also make it much more likely they will go on to smoke cigarettes in the future.

Some of the reasons for this are:

• Nicotine is the highly addictive substance found in cigarettes and most vapes. When you vape, people around you are exposed to a mix of chemicals from the vape aerosol you breathe out, including nicotine.

• Young people often model (or copy) some of their parent’s/guardian's behaviours.

• By vaping, you send a signal to your young person that vaping is acceptable and harmless.

• There's an availability of vapes in the home, giving the young person easy access.

To reduce the risk of your young person taking up vaping

• Vape outdoors and away from the young person.

• Try to reduce how much you vape when you are with them, even if you’re out and about.

• Have strict rules about vaping not being allowed at home.

• Securely store your vapes and e-liquids where they are not accessible to children and young people in the home. Nicotine in vaping liquid can cause poisoning

Talk to your young person about vaping

Have an open conversation about how you feel about your vaping and your hopes for the young person. For example, almost all people who smoke and most people who vape say they regret starting, and want to quit. If you feel this way too, share it:

“I wanted to try out vaping. Heaps of people I knew were doing it. I thought it was something I could do now and then. But I soon became addicted. I regret starting. I’m sharing this because I hope you don’t take up vaping.”

Are you vaping to stop smoking?

If so, explain that you are using it like a medicine to stop smoking and will eventually not need it anymore.

Explain why you securely store the vape.

“It’s important that you never touch my vape. The liquid in it can make you very sick.”

Quitline can give you advice on how to talk about vaping

Remember, you’re not alone. Contact Quitline for a confidential conversation with a qualified Quitline counsellor about how to have a conversation about vaping with your young person.

There are multiple ways to reach out to Quitline, including by phone on 13 7848, webchat, WhatsApp and more:

You'll also find more advice on how to talk about vaping with young people at vapingfacts.org.au

Please note, this information is for general use only.  Please consult your health professional for further advice.  

If you would like to provide feedback, please contact quit@quit.org.au

Last updated July 2024