Vaping
Vapes, or e-cigarettes, are also known as vaporisers or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
They are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine by heating a solution containing nicotine, flavourings and other additives. They consist of a mouthpiece, battery and cartridge or tank containing the nicotine solution.
Our position on vaping
Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. However, vapes are not recommended for use by children and young people, or anyone who has never smoked, as vaping is not completely harmless.
In the short term, people may suffer from headaches, sore throats, dizziness, and coughs. Although vapes have been around for over 15 years, there isn’t yet enough evidence to know what the long-term effects might be.
You can view our full position on vaping and a comprehensive list of vaping statistics in our CYP Position Statement below:
Vaping in children and young people
There has been an increase in the number of children and young people (CYP) who are currently using vapes and e-cigarettes.
You can view below key figures and statistics regarding vaping in children and young people in West Northamptonshire:
Recent figures from the Schools Health Education Unit survey (2022) show that 6% of pupils responded that they vape 'regularly' covering the West Northants area. The same survey showed that 3% of Year 6 pupils, 18% of Year 8 pupils and 38% of Year 10 pupils responded that they have at least tried vaping.
In 2023 there was a notable increase in the number of CYP using vapes and e-cigarettes, as detailed in the ‘Use of e-cigarettes (vapes) among young people in Great Britain’ survey by Action on Smoking and Health.
The percentage of 11–17-year-olds having tried e-cigarettes rose from 13.9% in 2020 to 20.5% in 2023. A similar trend was seen in the number of current users, increasing from 3.3% in 2021 to 7.6% in 2023.
The results of the 2023 survey suggest that regular use has not increased significantly since 2022, but that trying vaping once or twice is up by 50%.
Although this is a cause for concern, it’s worth noting that 92% of under 18s who have never smoked, have also never vaped, and only 2% have vaped more frequently than once or twice.
It is important to remember that vapes are proven as a successful method to support adult smokers to quit smoking. Vapes provide nicotine without tobacco smoke which contains carbon monoxide and tar which are both toxic.
Smoking remains one of the biggest killers, accounting for 15% of all deaths in the UK in 2019 and killing up to two thirds of all long-term smokers prematurely.
Schools in West Northamptonshire looking to improve student health and wellbeing can view our Healthy Schools Service.
NGAGE
NGAGE with Aquarius is a drug and alcohol service for young people aged 10 to 25 in Northamptonshire.
Visit their website for how to get involved in their workshops for young people, or if you are an adult looking to contact on behalf of a young person.
Last updated 24 January 2025