Tobacco prevention and protection

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to become vapour which is inhaled. This liquid often contains nicotine and flavourings. They were originally intended to help people stop smoking and are only meant to be used for a short time. But they’re now being used by young people who have never actually smoked. 

Some can look like pens or flash drives for computers that be easily hidden in plain view.

Vaping is likely to be less harmful than smoking. However, although the long-term effects of vaping on our health are not fully understood, evidence shows that vapes are not harm-free. Nicotine can affect concentration and impact the ability to learn and study. Nicotine withdrawal can disrupt sleep, cause headaches, and affect mental health and mood. 

It's thought that vapes can have a negative impact on the health of the heart and lungs. Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Physicians all state that vapes should only be used by adults who smoke tobacco as an aid to giving up smoking. 

In Scotland, it’s illegal to sell vapes or e-cigarettes to anyone under 18, or to buy them for someone who’s under 18.

Anyone who is vaping, or is concerned about a child vaping, doesn’t have to cope with the situation on their own. 

Childline offers advice and help for young people to give up vaping. 

Quit Your Way Scotland offers support to anyone looking to give up vaping or smoking, no matter how old they are. Anyone can chat to an adviser on the helpline or online. 

ParentClub also has useful advice. 

Visit nhsinform.scot/vaping to find out more. 

Further Links

Tobacco and vaping framework: Roadmap to 2034  

Health Promotion Information and Resources Centre 

Ash Scotland - Engaging children, young people and families 

Scotland’s Public Health Priorities 

In Scotland, it is unlawful for a public authority to act, or fail to act, in a way which is incompatible with the UNCRC requirements. This supports Scotland’s aim to recognise, respect and promote children’s rights. These include the rights to be treated fairly, to be heard and to be as healthy as possible. Parents and families, communities, local and national governments, and organisations which work with children and families, all play a critical role in helping children understand and experience their rights. 

There are four articles (rights) in the UNCRC known as the “General Principles” and must be upheld for all other rights to be delivered: 

• Rights to be applied without discrimination
• Best interests of the child to be a primary consideration
• Right to life, survival, and development
• Right to express a view and have that view considered.

These general principles all relate to our provision of support for children on the topics of tobacco and vaping. 

Parents, and members of families, with children play a critical role in the delivery of the rights of the child. Exposing children to second-hand smoke, and the direct and indirect promotion of smoking related behaviours is incompatible with a child’s right to their best possible health, to survive and develop to their full potential, and to have their best interests as a primary consideration. We will act in ways which promote the delivery of these rights during the provision of support surrounding tobacco and vaping.  

A children’s human rights approach 

The Fife Health Promotion Service - Tobacco Team will: 

Embed: Put children’s human rights at the core of planning and the delivery of our service. 

Not discriminate: Do all we can to ensure that every child or young person has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents. 

Empower: Give children the knowledge and confidence to use their rights and hold organisations and individuals that affect their lives to account. 

Participate: Listen to children and take their views seriously. 

Be accountable: We will be accountable to children for the decisions and actions we take which affect their lives. 

Article (Right) 24 

Health and health services - 

Every child has the right to the best possible health. Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on health and well-being so that children can stay healthy.