Professor Kath Woods-Townsend , LifeLab Programme Director and Professor of Science Engagement and Health Education at the ÃÛÌÒTV (UoS), and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. k.woods-townsend@soton.ac.uk
Lisa Bagust LifeLab Secondary Lead.Ìý
Professor John Holloway Associate Vice President (Interdisciplinary Research) and Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics at the ÃÛÌÒTV.Ìý
Busola Onanubi UoS Global Health MSc student.
The LifeLab Youth Panel on Vaping Jasmine Aburrow (15yrs), Alisha (16yrs), Seb Bannister (16yrs), Clive Cheung (16yrs), Eva (16yrs), Tehya Coak (16yrs), Maria Gbesemete (16yrs), Madeleine Harris (17yrs).Ìý
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Context
The increasing popularity of vaping among young people has raised significant public health concerns, with recent data showing that 1 in 4 children tried vaping in 2023. The LifeLab Youth Panel, made up of young people themselves, worked alongside researchers at the ÃÛÌÒTV to explore why vaping has become so widespread. Their findings highlight how marketing tactics, social norms, and misconceptions about harm contribute to the trend, emphasizing the need for more effective education and policy responses.
This policy brief provides youth-led insights and recommendations on tackling vaping through education, regulation, and engagement. With upcoming legislative changes, including a ban on disposable vapes and restrictions on advertising, ensuring that young people are active partners in developing solutions is more important than ever. Read the full brief to understand their perspectives and the steps needed to protect youth health.
