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Talking to younger children about nicotine products
Children notice more than we think. Maybe they see someone vaping outside the school gates, hear older children talking about nicotine pouches, or smell a cloud of fruity vapour while walking through town. Even if they haven’t brought it up with you, this is a good time to start gentle, honest conversations. Children aged 5 to 11 are curious, influenced by others, and learning how to make choices. What you say now can help them feel confident and safe to say no later on.
Why early conversations matter
The landscape is changing, it’s not just about smoking. New nicotine products are being created and are marketed in ways that often make them seem cool, safe or exciting. Some have bright colours. Some smell like sweets. Some are used by people children look up to, such as footballers and influencers. Early conversations are important, not to scare them, but to give them the tools to understand what these products really are, what addiction truly means and how it hurts their bodies.
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.
Explaining why these products are harmful
Children don’t need detailed health facts just clear, simple ideas they can grasp.
Here are some ways to explain it:
Nicotine: Nicotine is what makes these things addictive. It tricks your brain and makes your body want more. That’s why it’s so hard to stop once you start.
Smoking: Cigarettes hurt your lungs. They stop your body from working as well. People who smoke find it harder to run, breathe or stay healthy.
Vapes: Vapes can give you a sore throat, headaches or make you feel sick. Most of them have nicotine in them, which makes your brain want more and more. Over time, this can make you feel more anxious or stressed.
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.
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. What matters most is staying calm and helping your child feel safe enough to talk. Here’s how to handle it in the moment:
Be Curious: Telling them off straight away 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, I just want to understand.”
Expect confusion or denial: They might not admit to anything 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: 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: 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 boundaries: Children need to know where the limits are. 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: 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.
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.