Vaping in schools: a free pack for staff

A free, printable pack for teachers, pastoral staff and school nurses: what the law says from 29 October 2026, how to talk to students about vaping, discussion questions for lessons, where students can get help, and a letter you can send to parents.

The guide for parents

1. 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.
It's an offence for an adult to buy, or try to buy, these products for someone under 18.
Young people themselves aren't committing an offence by having or using a vape. Your school's own rules decide what happens in school.
Shops selling to under-18s can be reported to Trading Standards. Read more about the vape age law.

In England, school rules on vapes, and any searching or confiscation, should follow the DfE guidance on searching, screening and confiscation.

2. Key messages for staff

Be calm and curious, not shocked. Students are more likely to ask for help if they don't expect to be shamed.
Stick to the facts. Nicotine is addictive, vapes aren't for children, and many young people vape more than they meant to. Students check facts online, so exaggeration loses trust.
Separate behaviour from support. Follow your school's behaviour policy, and always offer a route to help as well.
Leave health advice to health professionals. Don't advise students on nicotine replacement or medicines. Refer them to the school nurse, their GP or the local Stop Smoking Service.
Never suggest smoking as an alternative. Smoking is far more harmful than vaping.

3. Talking to a student who vapes

Find a private, unhurried moment.
Ask open questions: "What do you get out of vaping?", "Have you ever thought about stopping?", "What would make that easier?"
Listen, and reflect back what you hear.
If they'd like to stop, offer to refer them to the school nurse, or tell them about their GP, the local Stop Smoking Service and Childline.
Check in again later. One conversation rarely settles it.

4. Discussion questions for lessons

For PSHE, tutor time or assemblies, with students aged 11 to 18:

Why do you think some young people start vaping? Why do others choose not to?
From 29 October, nicotine-free vapes are 18+ too. Why might the law have changed?
How do companies make products appealing to young people? Think about flavours, colours and names.
What does "addictive" mean? How might someone notice they're becoming dependent?
If a friend wanted to stop vaping, how could you support them, and where could they get help?
Vaping is much less harmful than smoking, and helps some adults stop smoking. Why can both of these be true: "vapes are for adult smokers" and "young people shouldn't vape"?

5. Where students can get help

The school nurse: confidential support during the school day.
Their GP or practice nurse.
The local Stop Smoking Service, which is free, and many now help young people stop vaping. Find a local Stop Smoking Service.
Childline: free and confidential for under-19s, on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.
If a student is in crisis: NHS 111, Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258. In an emergency, call 999.

Our quit-vaping programme is for adults aged 18 and over, so please don't refer students to it. Staff and parents are welcome to use it.

6. A letter for parents and carers

Copy and adapt this for your newsletter or a letter home.

Dear parents and carers,

From 29 October 2026, the law changes so that it's illegal to sell any vape, including nicotine-free vapes, or nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, to anyone under 18. It will also be an offence for an adult to buy these products for a young person.

We know vaping is something many families are talking about. If your child vapes, the best thing you can do is stay calm and keep talking: shame and punishment tend to push vaping out of sight. Ask what they like about it and whether they'd like to stop.

Support is available from our school nurse, your GP and your local Stop Smoking Service, which is free. There's a helpful guide for parents at quitvaping.co.uk/parents.

If you have any concerns, please contact [name and contact details].

[School name]

Sources

Last updated 5 October 2026. Free to print, copy and share in schools. This pack gives general information and isn't legal or medical advice. Questions or feedback: hello@quitvaping.co.uk.