Epping Forest Youth Council publishes report on youth vaping
The Epping Forest Youth Council has published a powerful new report shedding light on the real-life experiences and concerns of young people regarding vaping.
Underage vaping
The report is based on an anonymous survey completed by 2,924 secondary school students across the district. This youth-led initiative is part of the 2025 programme supporting the Epping Forest Health & Wellbeing Strategy, which prioritises education around alcohol and substance misuse.
The goal is to reduce stigma, encourage open dialogue, and ensure young people have access to accurate, non-judgemental information about risky behaviours in a safe and supportive environment.
Focusing initially on underage vaping, the Youth Council worked in collaboration with national and regional organisations including The Children’s Society, Public Health, the Amy Winehouse Foundation, Essex County Council, and Healthwatch Essex. Their expertise helped shape the survey’s design and development.
Key findings
- 94% of respondents reported they do not vape. However, among the 6% who do:
- Some began vaping as early as primary school
- 54% use four or more vapes per week
- 67% take 20 or more puffs per day
While the data raises concerns, it’s encouraging that most young people don’t vape — showing that education to prevent vaping is working and still needed.
Read the full report:
The report calls for:
- Enhanced awareness and education campaigns
- Stronger enforcement of vaping regulations
- Greater access to early intervention and support services
- Closer collaboration among schools, parents, health professionals, retailers, police, and local authorities
Government intervention
This report comes at a critical time, as the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (2024) progresses toward establishing the world’s first smoke-free generation. The bill proposes banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 and introduces stronger protections against youth nicotine addiction.
Additionally, as of 1 June 2025, the Government has implemented a ban on single-use vapes. This new law prohibits their sale in corner shops and supermarkets, aiming to curb their growing presence in schools and reduce environmental waste.
Shared determination to make a difference
This report is the result of thoughtful research, honest conversations, and a shared determination to make a difference. It reflects the voices of our young people and highlights the real challenges they face, while offering practical recommendations for positive change.
Cllr Kaz Rizvi, Portfolio Holder for Community Health & Wellbeing
This report gives young people a voice on an issue affecting them directly. The findings are worrying, but they also show where we can step in. We hope our work sparks honest conversations in schools and families and leads to better health support for young people.
Jacques Prinsloo, Epping Forest Youth Councillor
What’s Next?
In response to the findings, the Youth Council has secured £7,000 from the Community Safety Partnership to commission “Not So Sweet” — an interactive theatre production by Arc Theatre. Targeted at Year 7 students, the performance will explore themes of addiction, peer pressure, and vaping through live drama and audience engagement.
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