NCSCT publishes new briefings on stopping youth smoking and vaping

The National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) has released two important new briefings aimed at supporting young people to stop smoking and vaping.

In a recent email sharing the news the centre emphasised the importance of evidence over opinion when tackling youth smoking and vaping saying:

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on young people and smoking, and young people and vaping, but they are not entitled to their own facts.”

What’s inside the NCSCT briefings:

Young People and Stopping Smoking:

• Smoking among 16‑24‑year‑olds has dropped from 44% in 1974 to 8% in 2023.
• Yet, only 13% of regular-smoking 11–15-year-olds now express a desire to quit – down from 28% in 2018.

The briefing is aimed at school nurses, teachers, youth workers and other professionals working with young people.

It shares clear trends in patterns and prevalence as well as looking at specific health impacts and clinical strategies to help young people quit. This includes guidance on how to support a young person to stop smoking, having a conversation about smoking with them and questions they might ask.

Download the NCSCT briefing on young people and stopping smoking

Young people and stopping vaping:

This new briefing offers insights into prevalence, vaping attitudes, legislation and guidance on discussing stopping vaping with young people.

It includes practical advice on cessation support including Very Brief Advice on Vaping, resisting peer pressure and preventing relapse.

Download the NCSCT briefing on young people and stopping vaping

The briefings support the latest ASH findings on youth vaping in Great Britain

Data on youth e-cigarette use from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) released in July 2025 highlights continuing trends in youth (11-17 year olds) vaping:

• 20% of 11–17-year-olds have tried vaping, an estimated 1.1 million. This is unchanged since 2023.
• 7% currently vape, an estimated 400k. 40% of these vaping daily, an estimated 160k.
• Perceived harm from vaping is increasing: 63% of young people believe vaping is as or more harmful than smoking.
• Ever-smoking among youth increased from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025, as has the intention to try smoking, raising concerns.

As highlighted by the NCSCT, fact-based intervention is critical. With increasing misconceptions around relative safety for smokers, increased intention to try tobacco and rising rates of vaping initiation since 2021, tailored support and clear messaging are essential.

Professionals need tools and these NCSCT briefings provide evidence-based frameworks for engaging with youth, addressing vaping concerns and supporting smoking cessation