NHS Youth Forum member B* shares her thoughts on how much of a problem smoking and vaping have become for children and young people, and what could be done to stop it.
Around 350 young adults start smoking everyday according to Cancer Research UK (Cancer Research UK, 2024) and almost 1 in 10 secondary school pupils currently vape (NHS England, 2024).
Vapes are also sometimes called e-cigarettes or e-cigs.
The dangers of smoking are well known but it’s unclear what the long-term effects of vaping will be. With large numbers of young people smoking and vaping,18-year-old B believes more needs to be done to discourage children and young people from taking up the habits.
How big of a problem is smoking and vaping among young people?
“Currently, the problem is continuing to spread rapidly, and more school children are already vaping (NHS England, 2024).
“Vaping can start as a one-off trial and then slowly evolve to more of an addiction where it becomes a thing of habit unknowingly and going through a vape that contains ‘600 puffs’ in just under a week or as short as two days becomes the new normal.”
What do you think is the main reason young people get into smoking?
“I think that a major reason for it would be to be seen as cool or trendy, just as any young person would like to be perceived by other young people which is a normal thing.
“However, many can start to smoke as a way of coping with ongoing problems they may have or just to rebel from rules that they may have in their households. Unfortunately, I think many start smoking due to peer pressure and fear of being left out in certain friendships.”
“[I think] the Government should reinforce stricter rules and regulations to monitor vape sales to show their concern for the young population.
B
Is it a good idea to stop future generations from being able to start smoking?
“It is definitely a good idea because the effects of smoking can be so detrimental, and the full effects of vaping are not fully understood yet making it even more dangerous for young people to get into.
“[I think] the Government should reinforce stricter rules and regulations to monitor vape sales to show their concern for the young population.
“Deciding to smoke is a choice that everyone can freely decide for themselves, however making that choice can influence those close to you and affect others around you as well.”
Deciding to smoke is a choice that everyone can freely decide for themselves, however making that choice can influence those close to you and affect others around you as well.
B
“Second hand smoke can make those close to you more susceptible to respiratory problems and the cost to maintain the habit can affect home life as well.
“I also think people who want to get out of their addiction should know that there are so many places for support and to know that they are not alone in their journey, ever.”
Where to go if you need more information
If you're a young person who wants to learn more about vaping, FRANK has a helpful guide that explains more about what vapes are and how they make you feel. The NHS also breaks down some common vape myths to help you make an informed decision about your own vape use.
If you're a parent or carer and you want some help talking to your child about vaping, the NHS also has some useful advice to help you get started.
About the NHS Youth Forum
The NHS Youth Forum, currently supported by Barnardo’s, is made up of a group of young people who are determined to help improve health services in NHS England. By taking part in monthly consultations and other opportunities with NHS teams, Bonheur and other young people share their opinions about services, resources, and projects that are being worked on.
*Name has been anonymised to protect the young person's identity.
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