The review examined more than 14,000 published articles, assessed 325 full-text studies and synthesised evidence from 81 studies across eight health and social domains. It provides significant evidence for the short and medium-term impacts of vaping on children and young people.
Vaping has surged in popularity over the past decade, with rates of experimentation and regular use among young people increasing around tenfold. What was once a niche product has become a familiar part of many young people’s lives, with use often beginning in early adolescence.
The review found consistent evidence linking vaping with poorer respiratory health. Young people who vape are more likely to report cough, wheeze, bronchitis symptoms and asthma exacerbations. Crucially, long-term studies also show strong evidence that young people who vape are significantly more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.
Beyond respiratory health, the review identified evidence linking vaping to wider health impacts, including on oral and dental health, and poorer mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Emerging evidence further points to potential impacts on sleep, eye health, allergies and adverse outcomes associated with infants and babies exposed to nicotine during pregnancy.
Co-author of the systematic review, Professor Will Carroll, said:
Vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up. The evidence shows clear links with respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence and subsequent cigarette smoking, while concerns about wider impacts on young people’s health continue to grow.
The recently announced measures are welcome and must be implemented quickly. But if vaping is to remain a viable smoking cessation tool without attracting new users, Government must go further. Current proposals will place restrictions on vape flavour names and packaging descriptions, moving away from enticing names inspired by sweets, desserts, and alcohol in favour of simple, factual names like "apple". As paediatricians, we call on the Government to limit the types of flavours available, as opposed to just their descriptions.
RCPCH vice-president for policy, Dr Mike McKean, said:
Vaping is still a relatively new product, and there is much we do not yet know about its long-term impact on children and young people but a clear and concerning picture is emerging. Continued research and monitoring essential if we are to properly understand the risks and respond to emerging evidence.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act is an important step towards protecting children from nicotine addiction, but it must not be seen as a one-and-done solution. We need to keep pace with a rapidly evolving market and continue to take action to protect children from nicotine products that are deliberately made and marketed to appeal to them.
Notes to editors:
- The RCPCH systematic review will be published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood (ADC) on 20 August 2026 at 00:01AM: Oyella P, et al. Arch Dis Child 2026;0:1–7. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2025-330125.
- ADC an international paediatric journal co-owned by the BMJ group and the RCPCH, publishing the latest research in paediatrics and child health.
- A systematic review was conducted, identifying 81 eligible primary studies that reported the health or social outcomes associated with vaping in children and young people (0-19 years).
- The College supports the UK Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act, which will help reduce the unacceptable burden that tobacco and vaping places on today’s youth, and also protect future generations from the harms of nicotine addiction. Further information about our work is available here: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/work-we-do/public-affairs/smokefree-generation
- The College is currently drafting a response to the UK Government’s consultation on proposals for regulating tobacco, vaping and nicotine product packaging, device appearance and retail displays, to implement the Tobacco and Vapes Act.