Skip to content

PARENT SUPPORT

Talking to your teen about smoking, vaping or nicotine

You do not need a perfect speech. A calm conversation that leaves the door open is much more useful than trying to win an argument.

Back to Parent Support

Before you start

If you have just found something, give yourself a moment first. Starting when you are angry or frightened can turn the conversation into an interrogation.

Pick a quieter moment. Car journeys, a walk or doing something side by side can feel less intense than sitting them down for a formal talk.

Try opening with a question

You could try:

  • “Vaping comes up a lot at the moment. What’s it like at school?”
  • “I found this and I want to understand what’s going on before I jump to conclusions.”
  • “How often are you using it?”
  • “Do you actually like it, or is it more something everyone around you is doing?”
  • “Have you ever tried to go without it? What was that like?”

Listen to the answer before you move into advice. You may find out this was experimenting, regular use, pressure from friends or something they already want help with.

A few facts are enough

  • Vaping is not recommended for children and young people.
  • Most vapes contain nicotine, which can be addictive.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it is not harmless.
  • It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes or tobacco products to under-18s.
  • Disposable vapes can no longer be sold or supplied in the UK.

You do not need to turn all of this into one lecture.

What not to do

  • Do not exaggerate the risks to make the point stronger.
  • Do not assume one product means they are dependent.
  • Do not threaten a huge punishment before you know what happened.
  • Do not make them feel they can never tell you the truth again.

You can still set boundaries. Calm does not mean permissive.

What did they tell you?

Use their answer to decide what happens next.

“I only tried it”

Keep talking. Agree clear boundaries and check in again rather than turning one incident into a permanent label.

“I use it quite a lot”

Ask whether they get cravings or find it difficult to go without it. If they want help, move into the quitting support page.

Help them stop

“I don’t want to stop”

You can still set boundaries and keep the conversation open. Avoid turning every interaction into a quit argument. Revisit it later and make sure they know help is available when they are ready.

Want the evidence without the overwhelm?

Public Health Wales has a dedicated evidence-based guide for parents and carers about young people and vaping.

Read Public Health Wales guidance