In a significant move to tackle youth vaping and create a smoke-free generation, a groundbreaking £62 million research project has been launched to investigate the long-term health effects of vaping on children.
Funded by UK Research and Innovation, this ambitious study will track 100,000 young people aged 8 to 18 years over a decade, collecting comprehensive data on behaviour, biology, and health records to understand the factors affecting young people's health and wellbeing, including the impact of vaping.
While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking and can aid adult smokers in quitting, the alarming rise in youth vaping cannot be ignored. Recent statistics reveal that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping, prompting urgent action to address this growing concern.
Coinciding with this research, the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to clamp down on youth vaping by limiting flavours, packaging, and displays designed to appeal to children. This bill is a crucial part of the government's Plan for Change, focusing on prevention to reduce waiting lists and ensure the NHS is fit for the future.
Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:
“We know that vaping can be a useful tool to quit smoking, but it’s crucial we have clear evidence on the long-term health harms, especially for young people.
“This landmark series of studies, combined with our first nationwide youth vaping campaign, will help drive evidence-based, decisive action to protect our children’s future.
“Through bold preventative measures, such as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, this government will deliver on our Plan for Change to build healthier lives and save our broken NHS.”
The adolescent health study is one of three major research projects commissioned by the government. The second set of research, funded through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will see University College London produce yearly updates on the latest vaping research from both the UK and international sources. Additionally, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine will conduct the most comprehensive analysis of youth vaping studies to date, also funded by NIHR. These landmark studies will ensure healthcare workers remain at the forefront of the latest evidence and insights.
In tandem with these research efforts, the government is launching its first-ever nationwide campaign to inform young people about the hidden health dangers of vaping. The "Love Your Lungs" campaign aims to expose the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction, highlighting the increased vulnerability of young people due to their developing lungs and brains. Targeted at 13 to 18-year-olds, the campaign will primarily roll out on social media, leveraging influencers to reach its younger audience effectively.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, includes ambitious plans to protect children from vaping. It will introduce a ban on the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and strengthen enforcement to prevent underage and illicit sales. Furthermore, from 1 June 2025, disposable vapes will be banned under separate environmental legislation, reducing their availability and appeal to young people.
The long-term health impacts of youth vaping are not fully known, but this comprehensive approach will provide the most detailed picture yet. By equipping health carers and policymakers with robust evidence, these initiatives aim to protect the next generation from potential health risks associated with vaping.
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