Vaping and Young People: Understanding the Risks, The Rules and Where to Get Help
Vaping has become increasingly common among young people in Australia, raising concerns about addiction, health risks and long-term wellbeing. In response, national regulations introduced in 2024 significantly changed how vaping products are accessed and regulated to better protect young people.
Understanding what these rules mean is important for families, carers and young people themselves. While they aim to limit availability, they also highlight the need for early support, education and access to the right help.
Why Vaping Among Young People is a Concern
Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that heat liquid chemicals into an aerosol that is inhaled. This aerosol is often referred to as vapour, but it can contain a wide range of harmful substances.
Research suggests that vaping can expose users to toxic chemicals and nicotine, which can harm brain development in young people and impact attention, memory and mood. Many products also contain substances such as formaldehyde, heavy metals and other harmful compounds that may affect lung health and overall wellbeing.
Nicotine is highly addictive, and dependence can develop quickly. Research suggests that young people who vape may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating, which can make it harder to manage stress and everyday challenges.
For some young people, vaping is also influenced by social environments, peer pressure or as a way to cope with underlying emotional or mental health concerns.
Understanding Australia’s Vaping Rules
Australia has introduced strict national regulations to limit access to vapes and reduce harm.
Recent reforms have significantly changed how vaping products are regulated, including banning disposable vapes and restricting sales to pharmacies only. These changes aim to reposition vaping as a controlled tool for smoking cessation rather than a widely available consumer product.
Under the current rules:
- Vapes can only be sold through pharmacies
- Disposable and non-therapeutic vapes are banned
- Adults may access certain products depending on state laws
- People under 18 require a prescription
- Flavours are limited and packaging is strictly regulated
These measures are designed to reduce access among young people while ensuring appropriate medical oversight where needed.
What this Means for Families and Carers
These rules provide an opportunity for more open and informed conversations about vaping.
Approaching the topic calmly and without judgment can help young people feel supported and understood. This might include:
- Asking questions and listening without immediate criticism
- Sharing clear, factual information about the risks of vaping
- Discussing peer influence and decision-making
- Keeping communication ongoing rather than relying on a single conversation
Young people are more likely to make positive health choices when they feel supported and have access to accurate information, rather than feeling judged or dismissed.
It is also important to recognise that vaping may be linked to broader challenges. Young people experiencing stress, anxiety or disconnection may be more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours.
Where Young People Can Get Help
For young people who are already vaping, support is available. Nicotine dependence can develop quickly, but with the right guidance, quitting is possible.
Support options include:
- Speaking with a GP or health professional
- Accessing counselling or youth support services
- Using structured quit programs and tools
- Reaching out to trusted adults or mentors
Evidence shows that combining behavioural support with practical tools, such as counselling and quit strategies, can improve the likelihood of successfully quitting vaping.
Structured support environments can also play an important role. Programs that focus on routine, connection and therapeutic care can help young people address both substance use and the factors contributing to it.
Sir David Martin Foundation is a major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, where connection and compassion are built into every stage of recovery. Through programs like this, young people can step away from harmful patterns, rebuild confidence and develop healthier coping strategies.
Additional information and support options can be found on our resources page, helping young people and families access guidance when it is needed.
Prevention Starts With Connection and Awareness
Stronger regulations are an important step, but prevention goes beyond limiting access.
Reducing harm relies on a combination of education, early intervention and accessible support. Young people who feel informed, supported and connected are better equipped to make decisions that protect their health.
Addressing vaping is not only about stopping a behaviour. It is about understanding why it starts, creating space for honest conversations and ensuring help is available early.
By combining regulation with compassionate support, families and communities can help young people move towards healthier and more positive futures.
