The Vape Debate

Healthwatch Salford undertook research on children and young people's attitudes to and experience of vaping to coincide with a new parliamentary Bill to regulate smoking and vaping. They designed six surveys to collect feedback from secondary school children and young people, secondary school staff, parents of secondary school children, primary school children in years 5 and 6, their parents and primary school staff. They heard from 1487 people in total.

41% of children and young people surveyed who currently vape are aged 15. 

18% of children and young people surveyed who are currently vaping first tried vaping aged under 8. 

The main reasons for children and young people trying a vape for the first time were curiosity, someone shared it with them, and to relieve stress/mental health issues. 

The most popular time for children and young people to have their first vape of the day is in bed in the morning – which is an indicator of addiction. 

The way that parents and CYP perceive the benefits or negative changes resulting from vaping is in direct contrast. 14% of CYP noted positive changes and 6% CYP noted negative changes.  In comparison, no parents  noted any positive impacts, and 63% of parents who noted negative impacts. 

Just less than half of school staff and only 1 in 4 of parents/guardians are aware of the new legislation.