Vaping: British pediatricians call for stronger protection for young people

A review of 81 studies conducted by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) highlights associations between vaping and several health effects in children and adolescents, particularly respiratory issues.[1]. In light of these results and the rise in vaping among young people, British pediatricians are calling on the UK and other governments to strengthen measures aimed at reducing the attractiveness and accessibility of electronic cigarettes.

Health risks for children and adolescents

The RCPCH reviewed over 14,000 published articles, assessed 325 full-text studies, and synthesized data from 81 studies on the effects of vaping in children and young people up to age 19. Its synthesis, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, links vaping to adverse effects in eight health and social domains: respiratory health, mental health, smoking initiation, oral health, allergies, sleep, eye symptoms, and perinatal outcomes in infants exposed in utero.

The most consistent associations with adverse effects have been reported in large cross-sectional studies of cough, wheezing, bronchial symptoms, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. Limited, age-stratified analyses from high-quality studies have shown that associations with smoking initiation, switching from nicotine products to smoking, and psychiatric symptoms may be more pronounced in young adolescents.

Professor Will Carroll, co-author of the review, mentions "clear links" with respiratory symptoms, nicotine addiction, and subsequent initiation of smoking. Indeed, across 31 high- and medium-quality studies, a strong association was observed between past, current, or combined use of e-cigarettes and subsequent initiation of smoking, as well as progression to established daily smoking. The researchers emphasize, however, that the long-term effects of vaping among young people remain insufficiently documented.[2].

The RCPCH calls for reducing the attractiveness of electronic cigarettes.

In light of these findings, the RCPCH believes that vaping should not be considered a harmless teenage activity. The organization calls on the British government to strengthen measures aimed at reducing the appeal and accessibility of e-cigarettes for young people, particularly by further restricting the available flavors.

This request comes as the British government launched a 12-week consultation in July on the packaging, presentation, and display of e-cigarettes in stores. Proposals include plain packaging, moving e-cigarettes out of sight in shops, and restrictions on e-cigarette flavor names to prevent the use of names inspired by candy, desserts, and alcohol.

These measures are part of a broader anti-tobacco and nicotine policy

These proposals complement the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, recently adopted in the United Kingdom, which notably provides for a gradual ban on the sale of tobacco to people born from 1^er January 2009. The RCPCH considers this reform an important step, while stressing that it cannot alone constitute a solution to nicotine use among young people.

The public health organization Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) estimates that approximately one in five British young people aged 11 to 17 (19%) have tried e-cigarettes, and that 6% of them are currently using them, including 2% who use them daily. Several public health experts reiterate that while vaping alone is "less" harmful than smoking, it remains highly addictive, carries risks, and minors and non-smokers should not start.

The British government has stated that it has already banned disposable e-cigarettes and plans to prohibit advertising and sponsorship of vaping products from 2027. Furthermore, Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants to grant local councils greater powers to restrict vaping shops as part of his plan to revitalize British city centers. Currently, these shops are subject to the same rules as cafes and other retail outlets and do not require special permits. Burnham proposes classifying these businesses in a separate category under planning and land use regulations, allowing councils to approve or reject them on a case-by-case basis.

Such precautions to protect young people from a toxic and addictive product can be applied to other countries. In France, Public health associations such as Contre-Feu and the National Committee Against Smoking are also campaigning to reduce the accessibility and appeal of these products., in particular through measures such as limiting or even prohibiting flavors, advertising, promotion, sponsorship and online sales, neutral packaging, large health warnings or reducing certain nicotine thresholds.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AD

[1]Oyella P., Gilchrist FJ, Talawila Da Camara N., et al., Impacts of vaping on children and young people: a systematic review, Archives of Disease in Childhood, published August 19, 2026, accessed August 20, 2026

[2]Hugh Pym, Olivia Ireland, Vapes could lead to health harms in children, doctors warn, BBC, published on 20 August 2026, accessed the same day

National Committee Against Smoking |