Myth Busting: 8 Vaping Myths Teens Believe – And the Truth They Need to Know
At NotEvenOnce Projects, we believe that informed, honest, and nonjudgmental conversations are key to empowering our young people. With vaping myths circulating among teens, it’s essential that school wellbeing and PDHPE teams have access to clear, factual information. Our seminars are designed to support health conversations that bridge the gap between myth and reality. Read on for eight common myths about vaping and the truths behind them and discover how you can make a difference in your school community.
1. Myth: “Vaping is just water vapour.”
Truth: In reality, the aerosol produced by vaping is not harmless water vapour. It contains a mix of chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and potentially carcinogenic substances. These ingredients may pose serious long-term health risks, particularly for developing lungs.
When discussing this with teens, emphasize that what they see isn’t just “water” but a complex mix of substances that can be damaging.
2. Myth: “If it’s sold in stores, it must be safe.”
Truth: Products available on store shelves can be deceptive. Some vaping products are illegally imported or unregulated, which means they might not meet safety standards—even when they claim to be “nicotine-free.”
Encourage teens to look beyond packaging and marketing messages, fostering critical thinking about product safety.
3. Myth: “Everyone’s doing it.”
Truth: The perception that vaping is a universal teen habit is largely a myth. In reality, most teenagers choose not to vape. This misconception can create undue pressure on those who are content with staying vape-free.
Highlight the importance of understanding statistics over stereotypes, reinforcing positive peer norms.
4. Myth: “Vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes.”
Truth: While some people view vaping as a “less harmful” alternative, the science is clear: vaping is not harmless. It can lead to nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, and potentially other serious health problems.
Discuss how “safer than” does not mean “safe,” and stress that both smoking and vaping carry significant risks—especially for young people.
5. Myth: “Flavoured vapes are just about fun and don’t pose risks.”
Truth: Flavors in vaping products can mask the harshness of the chemicals involved, making them especially appealing to teens. However, these flavours do not reduce health risks. They can enhance the likelihood of nicotine addiction and expose users to toxic chemicals.
Explain that while flavoured options might seem attractive, they can be a gateway to dependency and other health issues.
6. Myth: “Vaping helps me manage stress and anxiety.”
Truth: Although the immediate sensation may feel calming, the nicotine in vapes ultimately worsens anxiety and stress over time. The cycle of dependence can lead to increased tension and reduced well-being.
Encourage discussions on healthy stress management techniques that don’t rely on substances, fostering resilience and self-care.
7. Myth: “I can quit vaping anytime I want.”
Truth: Nicotine is highly addictive, and many who start vaping underestimate how difficult it can be to quit. Over time, even occasional vaping can develop into a regular habit that is hard to break.
Empower teens with knowledge about addiction—reminding them that true empowerment comes from making informed choices before addiction takes hold.
8. Myth: “Vaping is just a passing fad.”
Truth: Although trends come and go, the health impacts of vaping can be long-term. Exposure to harmful chemicals now can lead to problems later in life, affecting respiratory and cardiovascular health even if vaping is not as trendy in the future.
Stress that making safe choices today is an investment in a healthier, more confident tomorrow.
Join Our Seminars and Health Conversations
At NotEvenOnce Projects, we’re committed to providing school wellbeing and PDHPE teams with the tools and strategies needed to have open, honest conversations about vaping and health. We have professional experience working with people in addiction every day and are committed to bringing truth of substance use utilising the latest scientific and medical research to cut through misnomers. Our seminars not only debunk these myths in engaging, non-judgemental; ways that don’t leave students feeling like they are being lectured, but also offer guidance on how to approach discussions with friends and family members in a nonjudgmental and supportive way.
Learn more about our seminars and how to get involved.
In Conclusion
Creating a dialogue based on truth and understanding is essential when discussing vaping with teens. By busting these myths, we can empower young people to make decisions that protect their health and well-being. We invite school wellbeing and PDHPE teams to join our seminars and contribute to building a community where truth-telling and empathy go hand in hand.
For further resources and to schedule a seminar, visit our website or contact our team today. Together, we can foster healthier, more informed future generations.