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Jump to Key Points Vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up, paediatricians have warned after a scientific review linked the behaviour to higher rates of respiratory problems in children and young people.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) warned that concerns about vaping among children and young people continued to grow, and called on the government to limit the types of vape flavours available.
Consistent evidence showed young vapers were more likely to report cough, wheeze, bronchitis symptoms, and asthma exacerbations, the RCPCH said in a press release. Crucially, long-term studies also showed that young vapers were significantly more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.
Significant Health Consequences of Vaping
Vaping has surged in popularity over the past decade, with rates of experimentation and regular use among young people increasing around tenfold. NHS England data has shown that 25% of children and young people aged 11-16 years report “ever having tried” vaping and 9% “currently use” e-cigarettes.
- Young vapers: ↑ cough, wheeze, bronchitis sx, asthma exacerbations.
- Long-term studies: vaping ↑ later cigarette smoking.
- 11–16y: 25% ever vaped; 9% current use.
- Evidence links vaping to oral/dental + mental health harms.
- Long-term pediatric vaping effects remain unknown; flavors targeted for restriction.
Vaping has significant short- and medium-term adverse health consequences for children and young people, the RCPCH said. But given it is a “relatively new phenomenon” — the first e-cigarettes appeared in British shops in 2007 — the longer-term consequences remain unknown.
The systematic review, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, analysed all published studies involving health or social outcomes of vaping on children and young people aged 0-19 years.
Beyond respiratory health, the evidence also linked vaping to oral and dental health impacts, and poorer mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. There were also potential impacts on sleep, eye health, allergies, and adverse outcomes associated with infants and babies exposed to nicotine during pregnancy, the RCPCH said.
Paediatricians Call for Tougher Government Action
“Vaping is still a relatively new product, and there is much we do not yet know about its long-term impact on children and young people but a clear and concerning picture is emerging,” said RCPCH vice-president for policy, Dr Mike McKean.
In July, the government began a UK-wide consultation on preventing vapes being marketed to children, including standardised packaging and restrictions on flavour names.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act was an important step towards protecting children from nicotine addiction, but “must not be seen as a one-and-done solution,” McKean said.
The government should “limit the types of flavours available, as opposed to just their descriptions,” said Professor Will Carroll, honorary professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University Hospital of the North Midlands.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government had banned single-use vapes and legislated to ban advertising and sponsorship from next year.
“We’re also consulting on proposals to crack down on packaging that appeals to children,” the spokesperson said.
Rob Hicks is a retired National Health Service doctor. A well-known TV and radio broadcaster, he has written several books and has regularly contributed to national newspapers, magazines, and online publications. He is based in the United Kingdom.
