Vaping: What Parents Need to Know

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol—often called vapor—produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. 

While often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is not harmless, especially for youth. Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health warn that vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and may negatively impact brain development in adolescents. 

• Nicotine Addiction: Most vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect memory, attention, and learning in developing brains. 
• Lung Health: Vaping can cause lung irritation and has been linked to serious lung illnesses. 
• Mental Health Impact: Some research suggests a link between nicotine use and increased anxiety or depression. 
• Gateway Effect: Youth who vape are more likely to try smoking cigarettes or use other substances. 

Check out Let's talk about vaping for practical tips on recognizing signs of youth vaping (like fruity odours, concealment, or white smoke) and advice to help parents talk early and often in a caring, non‑judgmental way, ask open questions, listen actively, and help teens practice refusal skills.

• The minimum legal age to buy vaping products is 19. 
• It is illegal to sell or supply vaping products to minors. 
• Vaping is banned in schools, on school property, and in enclosed public spaces under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.

• Not An Experiment: Parent page includes a parent/caregiver PDF toolkit, practical talking tips, vaping warning signs, and pathways to quit support. 
• Talking With Your Teen About Vaping: Quick facts about vaping and tips to start a conversation about vaping with youth.  

• Youth-VAST provides youth in Ontario accessible, team‑based support for managing nicotine/vaping, substances, and tech overuse—completely free, confidential, and tailored.
• Quash is a judgement-free app to help youth quit smoking or vaping. 
• Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people. 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.