Vaping and taiohi (young people) really shouldn’t mix – but of course they do. So what’s being done about it, and how can you support a young person to quit?

Vaping has become increasingly popular among our taiohi, with data showing that the number who vaped regularly had tripled between 2019 and 2021 and continues to increase. Young people who vape are also more likely to smoke cigarettes than those who do not vape.

Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but it is not without risks. In the Y’s work in schools through our Resiliency Toolkit programme, we educate taiohi about the facts around vaping. One of the main concerns is the potential impact on the developing brain. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can affect the brain’s reward system, memory, learning, and mood. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can make it harder to quit later in life, and may increase the risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Vaping can also expose young people to other chemicals that may cause lung damage, inflammation, irritation, and infection.

Another concern is the influence of the vaping industry on young people. The industry uses various marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, such as offering a wide range of flavours, colours and designs, sponsoring events and celebrities, and making false or misleading claims about the safety and benefits of vaping. These tactics can appeal to young people who are curious, adventurous and influenced by their peers and role models.

To address this, in late September regulations came into effect to reduce the harm of vaping, such as banning vaping in smokefree areas, restricting the sale of flavoured vaping products to specialist vape shops, requiring health warnings on vaping products, and prohibiting advertising and sponsorship by vaping companies. Some have criticised the regulations as shutting the gate after the horse has bolted and have called for even stronger measures.

If you want to help your taiohi to stop vaping, here are some strategies that may help:

• Encourage them to set a quit date and make a plan. They can use the Quitline website or call 0800 778 778 to get free advice and support from trained counsellors. In Timaru, taiohi can also seek support from a public health nurse at the free Youth Health Clinic held every Tuesday, 2:30pm – 4:30pm, at The Y at 7-9 Sophia Street.
• Help them find healthy ways to cope with stress, boredom, and cravings. This could include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.
• Remind them of the benefits of quitting vaping, such as saving money, improving their health, and protecting others from second-hand vapour.
• Be patient and understanding. Quitting vaping can be hard and they may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapses. Don’t judge or criticise them, but praise their efforts and achievements.
• If they need extra help, suggest they talk to their doctor or pharmacist about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications that can reduce their dependence on nicotine.

The bottom line is that vaping is not harmless, especially for young people. Vaping may seem cool or fun, but it is not worth the risk to their health and wellbeing.