How does vaping affect teenagers' cognitive abilities?

Experts warn that nicotine exposure from vaping may have long-term negative effects on teenagers' attention, cognition, memory, and mood.

Why are governments failing to address the harms of vaping for children?

Academics argue that governments often overlook the harms to children, influenced by industry claims around reducing harm to adult smokers.

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Vaping Epidemic Hits Youth: Experts Warn of Long-Term Cognitive Impacts

Q: What is the link between vaping and substance abuse for young people?

The study found that young people are more prone to nicotine addiction, which can exacerbate problems with addiction and substance abuse later in life.

13 Nov

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Summary

Teenagers highly sensitive to nicotine, may face attention, memory issues
Young people more prone to nicotine addiction, leading to substance abuse
Vaping may act as gateway to tobacco smoking, despite industry claims

Vaping Epidemic Hits Youth: Experts Warn of Long-Term Cognitive Impacts

According to a new analysis published in The BMJ on November 13, 2025, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine exposure from vaping. Researchers from the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands caution that this exposure "may have long-term effects on attention, cognition, memory and mood."

The study also notes that young people are more prone to nicotine addiction, which can exacerbate problems with addiction and substance abuse later in life. Academics, including researcher Tom Gatehouse from the University of Bath, highlight how vape use "may act as a gateway to tobacco smoking."

While the potential benefits of vaping for current smokers who switch to e-cigarettes are acknowledged, the experts emphasize that this should not be misconstrued as reducing harm for the population as a whole, especially when it comes to children. They point out that children are now using e-cigarettes at higher rates than adults, and argue that governments often overlook the harms to young people, influenced by industry claims around reducing harm to adults.