Young people's views and experiences of information about vaping

This project by Healthwatch Hampshire was initiated by two proactive young Youthwatch volunteers who recognised the impact that vaping was having on their peers and wanted to take action. They undertook a survey to which 387  young people aged 11 to 20 and above responded.

Key Findings

1. Awareness Most young people are aware of the dangers of vaping, primarily through school lessons, assemblies, and posters. Awareness rarely comes from family discussions, and social media and friends are major informal sources of information.
2. Behaviour vs Knowledge Despite being aware of the risks, many young people still vape. The reasons include peer pressure, the desire to look cool, and normalization by adults. Other factors include addiction, mental health coping strategies, and perceived benefits such as stress relief and improved concentration. Some young people believe vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking or underestimate its long-term risks.
3. Information Sources The top sources of information about vaping are social media, friends, and schools. Health professionals and family members are the least mentioned sources. There are concerns about misinformation and a lack of trusted sources.
4. Gaps and Effectiveness Education increases knowledge but does not strongly influence behaviour. Many respondents feel that current information is repetitive and lacks impact. They expressed a desire for real-life stories, short-term health effects, and relatable content.