How to help your teenager stop vaping

Stay calm, keep talking and listen more than you lecture. Shame and punishment tend to push vaping out of sight, while an open conversation keeps you in it. For practical help, your GP, your child's school nurse and your local Stop Smoking Service are free, and many now support young people who want to stop vaping.

Talk, don't tell off

Ask what they like about vaping and whether they've thought about stopping.

Know the law

From 29 October 2026, every vape is 18+, including nicotine-free ones.

Get free help

GP, school nurse or Stop Smoking Service. Childline is there for your child too.

Why do teenagers vape?

Young people usually start vaping out of curiosity, because friends do, or because of the flavours and the look of the products. Some keep going because nicotine is addictive, and some say vaping helps with stress, even though nicotine withdrawal can make feelings of stress and anxiety worse between vapes. Most young people who try vaping don't go on to vape regularly, according to ASH's survey of young people in Great Britain.

How do I talk to my teenager about vaping?

Pick a calm moment, not straight after you've found a vape. A car journey or a walk can feel less like an interrogation.
Ask before you tell. What do they know about vaping? What do their friends think? What do they like about it?
Listen. If they feel heard, they're more likely to come back to you when they want to stop.
Be honest about nicotine. It's addictive, and many young people find they vape more than they meant to. That's a reason to get support, not a reason for shame.
Ask whether they'd like to stop, and what would help. A plan they choose is more likely to stick than one you choose for them.
Keep the door open. One conversation rarely settles it. Come back to it, kindly.

The new law can be a good way in: "Did you know that from 29 October shops can't sell any vapes to under-18s, even nicotine-free ones?"

What should I avoid?

Shouting, shaming or threats. They tend to make vaping secretive, not less likely.
Exaggerating. Young people check facts online. Stick to what's true: nicotine is addictive, vapes aren't for children, and help is available.
Buying vapes for them. From 29 October 2026 it's an offence for an adult to buy any vape or nicotine product for someone under 18.
Buying nicotine replacement products for them without advice from a health professional.

Where can my child get help to stop vaping?

Your GP or practice nurse, who can talk to your child, with or without you there.
The school nurse, who can offer confidential support during the school day.
Your local Stop Smoking Service, which is free. Many now help young people who want to stop vaping. Find your local Stop Smoking Service.
Childline, free and confidential for under-19s, on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.

A health professional will decide with your child what support is right for them. Our free programme and its health guides are for adults aged 18 and over.

What if my teenager smokes too?

If your child smokes cigarettes as well as vaping, or used to, tell the GP or Stop Smoking Service. Smoking is far more harmful than vaping, so the most important thing is that they don't smoke, and a health professional can help them stop both safely.

What about the law?

From 29 October 2026, it's illegal to sell any vape, with or without nicotine, or any nicotine product such as nicotine pouches, to anyone under 18 anywhere in the UK, or for an adult to buy them for a child. Young people themselves aren't breaking the law by having or using a vape. Read more about the vape age law, including how to report a shop selling vapes to children.

Are you a teacher or school nurse?

We're making a free pack for schools. Email hello@quitvaping.co.uk and we'll send it to you when it's ready.

If you or your child need to talk to someone right now, see need help now?

Sources

Last updated 5 October 2026. This page gives general information for parents and carers and isn't medical advice for your child.