Smoking and Vaping

Most young people do not smoke or vape.

Nicotine is highly addictive, which means people can become dependent on cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products. The best choice for your health is not to smoke or vape.

Did you know: Most young people in Oxfordshire choose not to smoke or vape. Staying smokefree and vape-free is the choice made by the majority of young people.

It is illegal to purchase tobacco or vapes if you are under 18, or to buy them for a person aged under 18. Trading Standards can investigate businesses that sell tobacco or vape products to children and young people. 

The smoke-free generation

In April 2026, the UK became the first country in Europe to introduce a new law that will gradually phase out the sale of tobacco to future generations. Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be sold tobacco products. The aim is to protect young people from the harms of smoking and nicotine addiction. 

Find out more: All about the Smoke Free Generation from ASH.

Smoking is harmful

Smoking damages almost every part of the body. It can affect your fitness, breathing, concentration and overall wellbeing, as well as increasing your risk of serious illnesses later in life.

Smoking can:

• Damage your lungs and make it harder to breathe
• Reduce your fitness and sporting performance 
• Increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses 
• Affect your circulation and senses, including sight and smell

What about vaping?

Vaping is one of the most effective ways for adult smokers (aged 18 and over) to quit smoking and is much less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

However, vaping is not risk-free and is not recommended for children and young people.

If you do not smoke, do not start vaping.

Vapes and other nicotine products can lead to nicotine dependence, making it harder to stop once you have started.

The safest option is not to smoke or vape.

Other nicotine products

Products such as nicotine pouches, shisha and heated tobacco products can still contain nicotine and can be addictive. Although they may be different from cigarettes, they can still affect your health and wellbeing.

If you are unsure about a product, seek advice from a trusted healthcare professional or support service.

Smokefree Oxon

Smokefree Oxon offers free and confidential support for people aged 13+ who live, work or study in Oxfordshire.

The service provides friendly, non-judgemental advice and support for people who want to stop smoking or quit vaping.

Other support available

You can also:

1. Speak to your School or College Health Nurse
2. Contact ChatHealth for confidential health advice and support
3. Talk to your GP
4. Ask your local pharmacist for advice and support
5. Use NHS Quit Smoking resources and tools

Take action: Quitting nicotine can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. Whether you want to stop smoking, quit vaping or simply find out more, support is available. Reaching out for help is a positive first step towards a healthier future.

Remember: Most young people do not smoke or vape. If you do not smoke, do not start vaping.