Why Do Youth Vape? Key Motivations and Practical Steps for Parents
Hong Kong has taken a significant step forward. The full implementation of the smoking ban this year, which includes e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in all public places, marks a vital milestone in our journey toward a "Smoke-free Hong Kong." However, with over 30 years of experience walking alongside young people at KELY Support Group, we know that laws alone cannot fully change behavior. To genuinely protect the next generation, we must understand: Why do young people choose to vape? And as parents, how should we respond?
Vaping: The Primary Gateway to Nicotine
According to the Legislative Council (LCQ12) 2025 Report and data from the HKU School of Nursing, e-cigarettes have officially replaced traditional cigarettes as the primary channel for nicotine exposure in Hong Kong schools. Currently, 30% of young e-cigarette users are "dual users," falling into the trap of using both vapes and traditional cigarettes. Most alarmingly, young people who have vaped are four times more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes in the future.
There is a widespread misconception that vaping is just "water vapor." This is not true. The aerosol emitted by e-cigarettes contains nicotine, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, carcinogens, heavy metals, and flavoring agents linked to severe lung disease. Even more dangerous is the recent spread of Etomidate (a pharmaceutical-grade anesthetic known as "Space Oil") in vapes among youth. This substance can cause sudden collapse, muscle spasms, "zombie-like" loss of consciousness, and even respiratory depression. Users often have no way of knowing what lethal ingredients are hidden inside the device.
While the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau has recently ramped up publicity regarding the dangers of Etomidate, we believe that raising awareness and legal bans alone are not enough.
The Core Question: Why Do Young People Start Vaping?
KELY Support Group serves youth aged 14 to 24. When we ask them why they vape, the answers are rarely about nicotine addiction. Instead, they stem from four root causes:
Peer Pressure and Belonging: Youth is centered on identity. When vaping is normalised by peers, refusing to join in requires immense courage. The "Fear Of Missing Out" (FOMO) makes it difficult for youth to resist peer demands.
An Outlet for Emotional Coping: Hong Kong youth face extraordinary pressure. Data shows 1 in 4 children and youth have experienced mental health issues. When feeling anxious or isolated, vaping becomes a shortcut to immediate relief—and the addition of substances like Etomidate makes these devices even more "attractive" as an escape.
The Impact of Normalisation: Social media influencers and celebrities send the wrong message that vaping is desirable. Combined with vibrant packaging and fruit flavors, these products are highly appealing to youth.
The Innate Pursuit of Excitement: Young people naturally crave sensory stimulation. Vaping provides a social ritual and a sense of thrill. These needs are a normal part of growing up, but we must help them satisfy these urges in healthier ways.
Legislation struggles to address the deep-seated pressures mentioned above. While enforcement is necessary, we must invest more resources into understanding and responding to the root causes driving youth toward risk.
What Parents Can Do: Connect Before You Correct
The home environment is critical for preventing behavioral deviations. As children enter adolescence, a parent's most important responsibility is not a one-way lecture on dangers, but creating a safe environment where the child feels willing to speak.
Research shows that young people need to feel listened to, taken seriously, and not judged when sharing thoughts. When they feel safe, they are more likely to turn to parents for help during vulnerable moments rather than relying on substances.
Concrete steps for parents:
Prioritise Connection Over Control: Start conversations in a relaxed setting. Manage your own emotions first and set aside preconceived agendas. Seek to understand your child’s social world and worries by listening without judgment.
Use "I" Statements Instead of Accusations: Instead of saying "You are ruining your health!", try: "I feel worried because I hear people are vaping at school, and I care about you." The former triggers defense mechanisms; the latter opens a space for dialogue.
Set Clear Boundaries Together: Clearly state family values (e.g., "Our family is smoke-free"), but involve your child in discussing rules and consequences. Youth are more likely to follow rules they helped shape.
Be a Role Model and Seek Help: How you handle stress is the best example for your child. If you notice signs of dependency (e.g., declining grades or social withdrawal), seek professional support from school social workers or counselors early. Remember, seeking help is a sign of courage.
The Bigger Picture: Law and Community Must Work Together
KELY Support Group fully supports rigorous enforcement to tackle the harm vapes cause to our youth. However, we also urge policymakers to place equal importance on building youth resilience, including mental health support, peer support education, and parenting education.
A "Smoke-free Hong Kong" is a goal worth pursuing. Equally worthy is a society where every young person feels understood and supported. When they have enough support and motivation, they will naturally be empowered to make healthier choices for themselves.
