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Talking to younger children about nicotine
Children notice more than we think. They might see someone vaping or smoking at the school gates, hear playground chatter, or spot something on YouTube or TikTok. Many schools will teach about smoking, vaping and nicotine pouches, but that doesn’t always mean children understand what these things are – or how to handle them in real life.
Even if they haven’t mentioned it to you, this is the right time to start honest, simple conversations. Children aged 5 to 11 are curious, influenced by their friends, and learning how to make choices. Talking now will help them feel confident to say no later on.
Why early conversations matter
Children are seeing these products in real life and online, often in ways that make them seem fun, harmless or ‘normal’. But vapes, cigarettes and nicotine pouches can all be harmful, especially for young bodies and brains.
When children understand what these products are and why they can be dangerous, they are better able to make safe choices later even if they feel unsure or pressured.
Choose your moment
You don’t need to sit down for a big, serious talk. These chats work best when they happen naturally while walking to school, spotting a vape or nicotine pouch on the floor, walking past someone vaping or after they ask a question. Let it be short and simple at this age. Repeat the messages gently over time. A few small conversations are better than one big one.
What To Say
“Have you ever seen anyone using something called a vape or putting white pouches in their mouth?”
“Cigarettes, vapes and pouches can hurt your body, even if they look fun or smell nice. They’re not safe for kids.”
“These things have nicotine in them which will trick your brain and can be really hard to stop using.”
“Even adults find it hard to stop, that’s why they’re not safe to try.”
Reassure them:
“You’re not in trouble for asking questions.”
“If anyone ever offers you something like a vape or a pouch, just come and tell me. I will always help.”
If You Think They've Tried Something
Sometimes younger children copy what they see online, at school, or from older friends – often without realising what it is or how serious it might be. If a teacher has been in touch, or you’ve found something yourself, take a breath before reacting. What matters most is staying calm and helping your child feel safe enough to talk. Here’s how to handle it in the moment:
Start with curiosity, not consequences: jumping straight to telling them off can shut the conversation down. Instead, try to make it feel like a conversation, not an interrogation. You might say: “I found something earlier, and I wanted to check in with you about it. You’re not in trouble, but I do want to understand.”
Expect confusion or denial: younger children might not admit to anything right away and they may not even fully understand what they’ve done. They might say: “I didn’t know what it was.”, “Someone gave it to me.” or “I didn’t use it, I just held it.” Try not to panic. Even if it was curiosity, this is your chance to talk it through.
Keep explanations simple and clear: You don’t need to go into all the health science. Stick to one or two points they’ll understand. For example: “Vapes and pouches have something in them called nicotine, which can trick your brain. Even one try can make your body want more, and that can make it hard to stop later on.”
Reassure them they’re not bad or in trouble: This age group responds best to calm, clear messages. They need to know they’re still loved and supported, even if they’ve made a mistake. Try something like: “Being curious is normal. I just want to help you make choices that keep your body healthy and strong.”
Set a clear, kind boundary: Children need to know where the limits are but in a way that feels safe, not scary. You might say: “In our family, we don’t use things that can hurt our bodies. If you’re ever offered something again, you can always come to me.”
Keep the door open: This won’t be the last conversation and that’s a good thing. The goal is to build trust so they come to you next time. Thank them for telling you and reassure them that you’ll figure things out together.
Help them feel confident to say no
Many children will come across someone showing them a vape, offering them a pouch, or talking about smoking. They might not fully understand what it is but they’ll understand the feeling of not wanting to look silly or be left out.
Telling them to “just say no” isn’t enough. They need support to recognise how pressure feels, what choices they really have, and how to protect themselves without feeling like the odd one out.
Talk about how pressure works: Explain that peer pressure might look a friend laughing and saying, “Go on, try it! It’s just a vape.” Someone daring them or saying “Everyone’s doing it.” A group passing something around and your child doesn’t want to be the only one who says no.
Help them spot early warning signs: Teach them to notice when a situation feels “off”. They may have a feeling unsure in their tummy, they may want to say no, but their mouth says “maybe”, they might be looking around to see who’s watching. Tell them: “If your body feels weird or your chest feels tight, that’s your signal. That’s your body helping you.”
Let them come up with a plan – not just a phrase: Instead of handing them a script, say: “If someone ever offered you a vape or something like that… what would you want to say? What would help you get out of that moment? Who could you go to if it happened at school or the park?”
Let them lead. Then you can guide them to shape it into something strong. Help them by saying things like “Make an excuse (asthma, sports, school rules) and walk away.” or “Say your mum/dad would go mad. I’ll back you up!”.
Practise Together: Sit together and act it out. Keep it casual. Help them practise what they would say, what face they would make, how they would walk away. Then reverse roles. Afterwards, praise their effort!
Let them know saying no won’t lose them friends. Kids often worry they’ll be laughed at or left out. Reassure them that real friends won’t care if you say no.
After the conversation
One conversation is a great start. But these are messages you’ll want to repeat over time just like you do with crossing the road or staying safe online.
Little check-ins, gentle reminders and safe spaces to talk help children build trust and confidence as they grow.