Children Vaping

Dear All,

SAFETY ALERT: CHILDREN & VAPING – LEGALITIES AND HEALTH RISKS

1. Legal Position

❌ Illegal for Under‑18s

It is against the law to sell any vape product — including nicotine, non‑nicotine, disposable, and refillable vapes — to anyone under 18. This applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
[kennedyslaw.com]

❌ Illegal to Sell Disposable Vapes

Since 1 June 2025, selling or supplying disposable (single‑use) vapes is illegal across the UK.
This law was brought in to tackle rising youth vaping and protect children from harm.
[ecigone.co.uk]

🚫 Tougher Enforcement

The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill strengthens enforcement with:

Retailers can face fines, confiscation of stock, and license risks if caught supplying vapes to children.

2. Why Vaping Poses Serious Risks to Children

⚠️ High Uptake Among Young People

Around 18% of 11–17-year-olds had already tried vaping in 2024, demonstrating widespread youth exposure despite age restrictions.
[kennedyslaw.com]

⚠️ Nicotine Addiction

Many vapes contain high levels of nicotine, which:

⚠️ Unknown Long‑Term Health Effects

Vaping liquids often contain chemicals, flavourings, and fine particles that can irritate the lungs and may have long‑term health impacts that are still being researched.

⚠️ Gateway to Smoking

Government and health officials warn that vaping is inadvertently creating a new generation addicted to nicotine, risking progression to tobacco use — the leading cause of preventable death in the UK.
[gov.uk]

⚠️ Environmental & Safety Risks

Disposable vapes contain lithium batteries and hazardous chemicals. When discarded improperly, they pose:

3. Key Message for Parents, Schools & the Community

4. PCSO Safety Reminder

If you suspect illegal sales of vapes to children or find children in possession of vapes, please report it to:

Together, we can help prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.