RESEARCH ALERT
Some vapes use added chemicals to create a cold or icy feeling. New research has raised concerns about three of them: WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5. We do not yet know how common they are in Wales.
PARENT SUPPORT
Worried about your child smoking, vaping or using nicotine?
You do not need to know everything about nicotine to help. Start with what is happening right now and take it one step at a time. For the wider evidence and Wales context, see smoking, vaping & young people in Wales.
Start here
If you have just found a vape, pouch or cigarettes, you do not need to solve everything in one conversation.
1. Stay calm
A big reaction can shut the conversation down. Give yourself a moment before you decide what to say.
2. Ask, don’t interrogate
Try simple questions: What is it? How often are you using it? Where did it come from? How do you feel about it?
3. Work out the next step
One-off experimenting, regular use and wanting help to stop are different situations. Pick the route below that sounds closest.
What’s happening right now?
Choose the situation that sounds closest. You can come back here at any point.
I’ve found a vape, pouch or cigarettes
Get a quick guide to what different products are, what to ask and what you actually need to know.
They’re using regularly or want to stop
Find practical help with cravings, quitting conversations and getting support without turning it into a battle.
I need to talk to them about it
How you talk matters more than having a perfect speech. Pick the age that fits best.
Something has happened at school
Keep home and school on the same side. Start with what happened, what support is needed and what happens next.
I’m worried about what they’re using or where it came from
You can report underage sales, illegal vapes and suspicious sellers anonymously. You do not need proof and you should never confront a seller. It is illegal for an adult to buy a nicotine vape for someone under 18. From 29th October 2026, the rule expands to all vaping and nicotine products.
I smoke or vape too
You can still have an honest conversation without pretending you have always got everything right yourself.
They haven’t started. I want to keep it that way.
You do not need a scary nicotine lecture. Short, age-appropriate conversations about pressure, advertising and what they might see around them are more useful.
For younger children, start with simple conversations. For older children and teens, talk about what they are seeing among friends, online and in shops. For more background, see teen vaping: facts for parents & professionals and marketing & digital influence.
A useful bit of context
Most young people in Wales do not vape. In 2025, 5.2% of learners in Years 7-11 reported vaping at least weekly, down from 7% in 2023.
Need more help?
You do not need to read everything. These are the three places we would go next.
Public Health Wales
Evidence-based information for parents and carers about young people and vaping.
Help Me Quit
Free support in Wales for young people who smoke or vape and want help to stop.
Underage or illegal sale? Report it.
Seen underage sales, illegal vapes or a suspicious seller? Report what you know anonymously. You do not need to prove anything first.