The Growing Vaping Crisis Among Children in the UK
The UK is facing a serious public health challenge as more and more children are becoming addicted to vaping. A specialist vaping-addiction clinic, the first of its kind in Britain, has been overwhelmed by demand, with children as young as 11 now on a waiting list. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for better support and awareness.
The Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Clinic
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool launched a pioneering e-cig cessation pilot earlier this year, responding to a sharp increase in under-16s using vapes. However, the service has already reached full capacity, with at least 15 children waiting to be seen. Around 27 children are currently receiving treatment, including 17 aged between 14 and 15, and some younger than 10. This indicates that the problem is not just affecting teenagers but also younger children.
Professor Rachel Isba, who leads the Alder Hey service, has warned about the impact of nicotine on developing brains. She emphasized the need for more research to understand how vaping affects children and to provide effective support for those trying to quit. Professor Isba previously revealed that children as young as seven are taking up vaping, which is deeply concerning.
The Scale of the Problem
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), around 18% of children aged 11-17 have vaped before, and about 7.2% have vaped regularly. The clinic was launched in February after schools across Merseyside reported a surge in nicotine-dependent pupils. Treatment options include nicotine substitutes, therapy, support for peer pressure, and help with behavioral habits. Staff also work closely with schools to monitor dependency levels and improve the service.
Although the pilot funding from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has ended, the clinic will continue operating until all patients on the waiting list are treated. Trust bosses are exploring long-term funding options to expand similar clinics across Merseyside and potentially other NHS trusts.
Vaping Trends Among Adults
While the focus is on children, vaping among adults is also on the rise, with 5.6 million Britons now using e-cigarettes—the highest level on record. To address this, ministers have introduced measures such as a ban on single-use vapes, which came into effect in June. Despite these efforts, the NHS still considers vaping an effective tool for adult smokers trying to quit.
A major 2024 evidence review found that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapies like patches or gum. However, the risks associated with vaping are not limited to adults.
Long-Term Consequences
Children who regularly vape are three times more likely to become smokers later in life, according to reports. Studies have also linked vaping to respiratory illness and substance abuse. Data from the Department of Health and Social Care shows that vaping has tripled among children since 2021.
In September, experts called for a global ban on e-cigarettes to protect children from what they describe as “irreversible harm.” Previous studies suggest that vaping can increase the risk of stroke by a third and asthma and cardiovascular disease by a quarter.
Concerns from Medical Experts
Researchers speaking at the world’s largest heart conference warned that the impact of vaping on developing brains and hearts is likely to be even greater. Professor Maja-Lisa Løchen, a senior cardiologist at University Hospital of North Norway, expressed fears that vaping could become a new “epidemic” among children.
She said: “There is an additional risk of vaping in children [compared to adults] when it comes to effects on the body. Because we know that the nicotine and other elements in e-cigarettes have a very harmful effect on developing brains. Not only in the foetus, but during childhood and into your 20s. So that is something we are extremely concerned about.”
Professor Løchen also highlighted that children and young people who start vaping may become dependent on nicotine and could use it as a gateway to smoking.
