Youth vaping: an under-recognised risk behaviour in paediatric emergency care

The increased prevalence of vaping among UK adolescents over the last three years, driven by youth-targeted marketing from the tobacco industry, represents a growing public health concern. A local service evaluation conducted within a tertiary paediatric emergency department identified significant gaps in current practice: 7.2% of 11-16-year-olds were asked about any smoking habits, and only 1.2% were asked specifically about vaping. This highlights a missed opportunity for early identification and response to youth vaping. We explore potential barriers contributing to these low rates of enquiry, including limited professional confidence and the lack of structured vaping medical education. To address this, we propose a practical framework for clinicians, suitable for use in the emergency department, which includes four targeted screening questions. The review also examines the scarcity of dedicated youth vaping cessation services, while showcasing examples of innovative, community-based interventions. A structured, standardised approach to youth smoking behaviours combined with accessible, youth-oriented support services is essential to mitigate the growing harms associated with youth vaping. Therefore, urgent reform in professional approaches to adolescent vaping behaviours is warranted.