From 1 October 2026, a new UK Vaping Products Duty begins and duty stamps start appearing on retail vape packaging. Here’s what the change means in Wales — and what it does not tell you about a product.
PARENT SUPPORT
Helping your child or teen stop smoking, vaping or nicotine
If they want to stop, your job is not to become their quit coach overnight. Help them make a realistic plan, expect a few difficult moments and bring in support when they need it.
First, find out what they want
Ask whether they actually want to stop, cut down or are not ready yet. A plan works much better when they feel some ownership over it.
If they are not ready, you can still set boundaries, talk about what worries you and keep the door open. You do not have to solve it in one night.
Pick a starting point
Choose a day or week that feels manageable. Avoid piling a quit attempt on top of an already difficult exam, crisis or family event if you can.
Know the tricky moments
Ask when they reach for nicotine most: before school, between lessons, after food, with friends, when stressed or when bored. Planning for those moments is more useful than simply saying “don’t do it”.
Agree how you’ll help
Ask what support would actually be helpful. Reminders? Distraction? Checking in once a day? Space? Try not to monitor every minute or make every wobble feel like failure.
What nicotine withdrawal can look like
When someone who has become dependent on nicotine stops, they may feel irritable, restless or low in mood, find it harder to concentrate, or get strong urges to smoke or vape.
That does not mean quitting is going badly. Withdrawal is the body adjusting to less nicotine. If symptoms are difficult, ask Help Me Quit or a healthcare professional for advice.
If they slip
One cigarette or one vape does not wipe out the whole attempt. Ask what triggered it and what they could change next time.
Try: “What made that moment difficult?” rather than “Why did you ruin it?”
Bring in proper support
Help Me Quit can support people under 18 who smoke or vape and want help. You can contact the service directly for free support and advice.
You do not need to wait until things feel severe before asking for help.
Call: 0800 085 2219
Text: HMQ to 80818
If they do not want to stop
Keep your boundaries clear, but try not to make every conversation about nicotine. Let them know why you are concerned, keep asking open questions and make sure they know support is there if they change their mind.
If use is causing problems at school, affecting money, sleep or daily life, or you are worried about their wellbeing, speak to a healthcare professional or Help Me Quit for advice.