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
Talking to younger children about smoking, vaping and nicotine
You do not need a big “nicotine talk”. A few short, honest conversations over time are enough to help children make sense of what they see around them.
Use the moments that already happen
A vape on the pavement, someone smoking outside a shop, an advert online or a question from school can all be easy starting points.
Keep it short. Younger children usually need simple messages, repeated calmly, rather than detailed health information.
Keep the message simple
“Vapes and cigarettes are not for children.”
“Nicotine can make people want to keep using it.”
“If anyone ever offers you something, you can always tell me.”
Talk about pressure
Ask what they could say if an older child or friend offered them something. Let them practise a simple answer like “No thanks” or an excuse to walk away.
Make questions safe
If they ask something awkward, answer what they actually asked. You do not have to turn every question into a warning. The aim is to make coming to you feel normal.
Want a simple way to start the conversation?
Nicofiends is ASH Wales’ prevention resource for children and young people. It uses characters, pressure and feelings to help start conversations without turning it into a nicotine lesson.