Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Vaping has become one of the fastest-growing challenges in secondary schools across the UK. E-cigarettes and vape pens are often marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, but that doesn’t make them harmless — especially for young people.

At Compass Education, we want to make sure families are informed and confident when discussing vaping with their children. Most students are exposed to vaping in some way — whether through peer pressure, curiosity, or social media. As a parent or carer, your voice matters more than you might think.

Why Vaping is a Concern

Vapes are often small, colourful, and easy to hide. Flavoured varieties can make them appealing to teenagers — and many young people wrongly believe they are completely safe.

However, the reality is that vaping is far from risk-free:

✔ Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive

✔ Some “illegal” or unregulated vapes can contain harmful substances

✔ Vaping can cause coughing, breathlessness, and throat irritation

✔ The long-term health effects are still unknown — we are only just beginning to understand the risks

✔ Students caught vaping in school can face serious consequences, including exclusion

Vaping can also be a gateway to other risk-taking behaviours, especially if students fall into peer pressure or seek out unregulated products.

What You Can Do to Help

You don’t need to be an expert to guide your child — your influence starts with honest, calm, and well-informed conversations.

Here are some practical steps to support your child:

✔ Start the conversation early. Don’t wait for vaping to become an issue — bring it up during everyday chats. Use headlines or adverts as a natural entry point.

✔ Stay calm and curious. If you find out your child has tried vaping, avoid shouting or reacting in anger. Ask: “What made you want to try it?” or “What do your friends think about vaping?”

✔ Share accurate information. Make sure they know the facts — vaping isn’t harmless, and it’s illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18. Talk about the short-term and long-term risks to health.

✔ Encourage refusal skills. Help your child practise what to say if they’re offered a vape — simple lines like “I’m not into that” or “No thanks, I’m good” go a long way.

✔ Be alert to signs. If your child suddenly starts coughing, using lots of breath sprays, or hiding things in their room, it could be worth checking in.

Where to Find More Support

If you’re worried about your child vaping, speak to the school’s pastoral team or your GP. Many young people can stop with the right support.

Useful links for parents:

• ASH: Vaping and Young People – Facts for Families

• Talk to Frank – Vaping Information

• NHS Quit Smoking/Vaping Support

You can make a real difference by helping your child understand the risks and make healthier choices.