Vaping is growing rapidly: it is the new smoking among young people. Use among young people remains high and is still increasing [1]. Since the flavour ban in 2024, the sale of flavoured vapes is no longer permitted, but they are still easy to obtain through illegal sales [2]. The sweet taste suggests innocence, but is it really that innocent?
Vaping use in figures
The figures are worrying. One in five young people between the ages of 12 and 25 has vaped in the past year; one in ten does so monthly [3]. Even one in ten 12-year-olds has vaped at least once [4]. A large proportion of young people who vape become addicted, often without realising it. Almost half do not know whether, and how much, nicotine is in their vape. Yet it is precisely nicotine that is highly addictive. In addition, many also smoke tobacco, creating a double dependency. Even teenagers admit to having vaped at some point [4]. These figures show that more and more young people are vaping and emphasise the importance of identifying the risks.
The dangers on the table
It is often thought that flavoured vapes are less harmful, but flavours do not change the absorption of nicotine or other harmful substances [5]. Vaping can damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain and cause mental health problems. It can affect the brain within days or weeks and lead to heavier use, resulting in permanent damage. It is not without reason that it is one of the top five most addictive substances worldwide.
Young people are particularly vulnerable
Young people are at higher risk of addiction. This is because the reward system in the brain is more sensitive and active than the areas of the brain responsible for planning and self-control. This makes them susceptible to the temptation of flavours and the quick reward that nicotine provides. Protecting young people is therefore necessary to prevent addiction.
More attention to vape prevention
Due to the high figures and risks, vaping is receiving increasing attention. Since 2023, vaping has been included in national campaigns such as Doctors Sound the Alarm [6]. Educational programmes such as the Smokefree Challenge are also attempting to reduce use, as are laws such as the flavour ban [7]. However, the effect remains limited: use is hardly declining and is even increasing among teenagers [1]. We cannot therefore leave a structural decline in vaping among young people to policy or regulations alone.
What step will you take?
The sweet taste is temporary, but the consequences are lifelong. The responsibility to protect them lies with all of us. Parents, teachers and (youth) professionals play a key role in this. By making young people aware of the risks and setting boundaries, we can make a difference together. What will be your first step?
Parents can find tips at Preventietips – ouders, and youth care can find tips at Preventietips – Trimbos-instituut.
This blog was written by Sophie Rekers for the course Recent Developments in Risk Behaviour, Master’s in PWO, 2025.
References
[1] Kevino. (2025b, juli 31). Scholieren in Europa roken, drinken en blowen minder, maar vapen meer. Cannabisgebruik in Nederland hoog. Trimbos-instituut. https://www.trimbos.nl/actueel/nieuws/scholieren-in-europa-roken-drinken-en-blowen-minder-maar-vapen-meer-cannabisgebruik-in-nederland-hoog/
[2] Agyeman-Prempeh, C., Piersma, J., Agyeman-Prempeh, C., & Piersma, J. (2024, 31 januari). Jongeren komen ook na verbod makkelijk aan smaakjesvapes. NOS. https://nos.nl/artikel/2506971-jongeren-komen-ook-na-verbod-makkelijk-aan-smaakjesvapes
[3] Morren, K. (2024, 27 september). Conclusie & duiding. Nemesis. https://cijfers.trimbos.nl/scholierenmonitor/vape-snus-en-waterpijp/conclusie-duiding-vape-snus-waterpijp/
[4] Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. (2025b, mei 16). Bijna 1 op de 10 kinderen van 12 jaar heeft al gevapet. Nieuwsbericht | Rijksoverheid.nl. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/05/12/bijna-1-op-de-10-kinderen-van-12-jaar-heeft-al-gevapet
[5] East, K., Vu, G., Sun, T., D’Mello, K., Perman‐Howe, P. R., Taylor, E., Nottage, M., Brose, L. S., Robson, D., & McNeill, A. (2024). Harm perceptions across vaping product features: An on‐line cross‐sectional survey of adults who smoke and/or vape in the United Kingdom. Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16572
[6] Home 2024 – Artsen slaan alarm. (2025, 13 maart). Artsen Slaan Alarm. https://artsenslaanalarm.nl/
[7] Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. (2025a, februari 12). Maatregelen overheid om roken te ontmoedigen. Roken | Rijksoverheid.nl. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/roken/roken-ontmoedigen
Picture: Pexels / Lebele Mass