Vaping and young people – For educators

This fact sheet is designed to fill the knowledge gap around vaping and e-cigarettes, to provide current research and information, and to empower schools and educators to inform and protect young people from potential harm. This resource caters specifically to teachers, educators and anyone working with young people to supply evidence-based information on vaping, its health, safety and legal issues, and how it directly impacts lung health.

Vaping is unsafe for young people and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, mouth and airway irritation, chest pain, and palpitations. While the long-term health effects are still unknown, vaping is linked to harmful compounds like formaldehyde, acrolein, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine. These substances can cause irreversible lung damage, are toxic to human cells, and can harm brain development.

Young people are attracted to vaping due to its novelty, appealing flavours, and ease of access. Vapes are often brightly coloured, small, and easy to hide. Social influences, such as family members or friends who vape, and the perception that vaping is less harmful than smoking, also contribute to its popularity.
The tobacco industry uses sophisticated marketing to glamorize vaping through social media, without adequately communicating the health risks. A common misconception is that vapes emit harmless water vapor, but they actually produce an aerosol containing toxic particles.

Educators are encouraged to address vaping within a broader social, health, and drug education context. Implementing comprehensive tobacco and vape-free policies, alongside education and support programs, is recommended. Suggested teaching activities include quizzes, discussions on motivations for vaping, comparisons to tobacco, and role-playing scenarios.

It’s crucial to engage in open, non-judgmental conversations with young people about the risks of vaping. Emphasize the manipulation by the tobacco industry and provide support for those struggling with nicotine addiction.

By understanding the risks and educating young people, educators can play a pivotal role in promoting healthier choices and protecting youth from the dangers of vaping.