Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
Introduction
As part of our partnership with Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, we have created this collection of information and resources on the harms associated with tobacco, vaping, and second-hand smoke. Our aim is to support prevention efforts, particularly among children, young people, and families, and contribute to Scotland’s vision of becoming tobacco-free by 2034.
Through this partnership, we will be upskilling staff from third sector organisations in Renfrewshire on vaping and tobacco harms, empowering local organisations to disseminate this message within their communities. These resources, developed by colleagues at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are delivered at no cost. If you are interested in an awareness session, please contact info@engagerenfrewshire.com.
Tobacco
- Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death and disease in Scotland, with over 8000 deaths annually (Public Health Scotland).
- Smoking prevalence is 3.5 times higher in the most deprived areas of Scotland (SIMD1) compared to the least deprived (SIMD5), and is a major driver of health inequalities (ASH Scotland).
- Free smoking cessation support is available across Scotland. It is never too late to quit. For more information or to access support, please contact Quit Your Way on 0800 84 84 84.
Vaping for Young People
- The purchase and sale of vapes to people under the age of 18 is illegal.
- Vaping is not intended for young people and those who have never smoked and there is evidence that vaping can act as a gateway to smoking (Scottish Government).
- The long term health effects of vaping are unknown, but there are known short and medium term health impacts.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence
- While there has been a large increase in vaping among young people in the last few years, most young people don’t vape. According to the 2022 Scottish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, the percentages of young people who have tried vaping at least once are:
- 3% of 11-year-olds
- 10% of 13-year-olds
- 25% of 15-year-olds
- If you are a young person looking to quit vaping, NHS GGC have created a leaflet with helpful tips.
- NHS GGC have also produced a briefing paper for parents, carers and staff who work with young people. This paper highlights key evidence, concerns and advice.
Vaping for Adults
- The long term effects of vaping are still being researched and are not risk free, however evidence suggests that for adults who smoke, vapes are less harmful than smoking tobacco products.
- For adults, vaping can be used as a harm reduction method for people to stop or reduce smoking.
- If you are currently vaping and would like some tips on how you can stop, NHS GGC have created a leaflet for adults that has ideas on tips on how you can stop.
Disposable Vapes
From 1st June 2025, the sale and supply of single-use (disposable) vapes is banned in Scotland.
This action aims to reduce youth access, environmental waste, and nicotine harm.
Learn more here.
How you can support prevention efforts
- Stay informed about the latest evidence on harms caused by vaping, tobacco, and second hand smoke. Sharing accurate and consistent information is essential to avoid confusion or spread of misinformation.
- Use your knowledge of your community to raise awareness in a meaningful and relevant way to the people you support.
- Approach vapes like any other age restricted product and discourage experimentation of vaping in people who have never smoked.
- Research shows that the factors influencing young people to start vaping are easy access to vapes, attractive product designs, and peer pressure or social perceptions. Within your organisation, help build young people’s confidence to say no to vaping, and support peer-led education that highlights the risks and harms. Parental attitudes also play a crucial role, so wherever possible, actively involve parents or carers in prevention efforts.
- Role modelling has a powerful impact and can influence young people’s decisions around vaping and tobacco use. Consider reviewing your organisation’s smoking and vaping policies to ensure staff and volunteers do not smoke or vape in view of those you support. Establishing smoke-free zones at the entrances of buildings used by children and young people is particularly important, as witnessing adults smoking or vaping in these areas can create a sense of normalisation and increase the risk of uptake.
- Consider signing ASH Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation and make organisational pledges that help protect people from harms caused by tobacco and related products.
Resources
ASH Scotland have an eLearning platform where you can complete modules on various topics and have access to the latest information on tobacco and vaping harms.
Public Health Scotland have produced an online learning module on Very Brief Advice (VBA) which can be used to help trigger a quit attempt amoung people who smoke. The module can be completed by anyone who may interact with people who smoke.
You can register for an account with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Public Health Resources Directory and can order leaflets on these topics for free. Some leaflets are also available in other languages.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have launched a new resource pack on vaping to help users of all ages understand the risks and plan to cut down or quit.
If you’re interested in learning more about this project, or would like to join a network of other professionals who would like to share resources and ideas in this area, please contact info@engagerenfrewshire.com