In recent news, the story of 12-year-old Sarah Griffin https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67081855 has brought to light the severe consequences of vaping.

Sarah, who had asthma and was a heavy vaper, suffered a lung collapse and spent four days in an induced coma. Her experience has ignited concerns about the side effects of vaping, particularly among children and adolescents.

The NHS advises that vaping should only be used by adults (over the age of 18) to help them quit smoking but Sarah’s story underscores the importance of understanding the side effects and risks associated with vaping among children and young people. In her case, vaping not only had severe health implications but also led to addiction at a very young age.

The Side Effects of Vaping

1. Lung Complications: Vaping has been linked to various lung issues, including lung inflammation, bronchitis, and in severe cases, lung collapse, as seen in Sarah’s situation. The inhalation of vaporised chemicals and additives can irritate and damage the respiratory system.
2. Nicotine Addiction: Most vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. This addiction can develop rapidly, making it difficult to quit. For young people like Sarah, nicotine addiction can be particularly harmful, interfering with their development and well-being.
3. Mental Health Implications: Vaping can also have psychological side effects. Nicotine is known to impact mood and may contribute to anxiety and depression, particularly in young users.

How Many Young People Are Vaping?

Sarah’s case is not an isolated incident. Youth vaping has become a concerning trend. Recent figures indicate that one in five children aged 11-17 in the UK has tried vaping, a threefold increase from 2020.

It’s essential to understand that young people often underestimate the health risks associated with vaping. They are drawn to attractive flavours, colourful packaging, and the misconception that vaping is harmless. The reality, as Sarah’s story shows, is starkly different.

Government’s Response to Children Vaping

Recognising the urgency of this issue, the UK government has announced plans to restrict the marketing and sale of vapes targeted at children. These proposals include limiting flavours and descriptions, regulating packaging to make vapes less appealing to children, and exploring the possibility of increasing vape prices to deter young users.

The sale of disposable vapes, which are harmful to both health and the environment, is also under consideration for restriction.

Health experts, such as Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, acknowledge the potential utility of vaping as a smoking cessation tool for adults. However, marketing vapes to children is deemed “utterly unacceptable.” The government’s measures aim to strike a balance between harm reduction for adult smokers and the protection of young people from the dangers of vaping.

Just because the side effects of vaping aren’t as significant as smoking, they can still be potentially life-altering. It’s vital for young people, educators, and society as a whole to be vigilant and informed about the risks that young people face when they are enticed by vaping.

“Quitting can be tough, but you are tougher.”

• If you need help with quitting vaping we highly recommend this website ? https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping .

Here are the tips summarised:

Commit to Quitting:

• Choose a quit date in the near future and prepare
• Avoid stressful days for quitting like the day before an exam
• Mark your quit date on your calendar!

Create a Quit Plan:

• Identify triggers and cravings – certain people, places, feelings, or situations can cause you to want to vape
• Plan how to resist temptations, such as taking a temporary break from friends or what you’ll say if someone asks you to vape

Build a Support System:

• Seek help from friends, family, or professionals and be specific in asking for a type of support e.g. tough love
• Offer support to others wanting to quit vaping

Dealing with Unsupportive People:

• Distance yourself if needed
• Reaffirm your commitment to quitting
• Ask for respect for your decision
• Spend time with supportive people

If you are struggling with vaping and can see yourself quitting – don’t be afraid to get in touch with your learning consultant who can help point you in the right direction to find support!