Vaping remains highly normalised among young people, but many are now taking steps to quit — and support is available to help make that journey easier.

At the request of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, we’re helping raise awareness of a national campaign designed to educate young people aged 14–24, along with parents and carers, about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction, and the free support services available to help people quit.

The campaign aims to increase awareness of the physical and mental health impacts of vaping, prevent uptake, and support attempts to quit — especially by encouraging young people to lean on their friends and support networks.

The negative impact of vaping

When you vape, you’re inhaling a fine spray of chemicals directly into your lungs, where tiny particles can get stuck and cause serious damage. Whether you’ve just started or have been vaping for a while, it’s important to know the risks.

Here’s what vaping can impact:

• Your breathing and fitness — vaping can cause shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, which can make it harder to exercise or stay active.

• Your lungs — vaping can lead to long‑term or even permanent lung damage.
  
  
• Your mental health — nicotine can increase feelings of anxiety and irritability, especially when cravings or withdrawal symptoms hit.
  
  
• How you feel day to day — nausea, dizziness and headaches are common side effects.
  
  
• Your bank account — buying vapes regularly adds up quickly — money that could be spent on other things instead.

It can be easier to quit with a friend

Thinking about quitting vapes? You don’t have to do it alone.

Quitting alongside a friend can make a real difference — giving you motivation, encouragement and someone who understands what you’re going through. Thousands of Australians are quitting vapes, and many say having support around them helps them stay on track.

Free tools and support

Quitting doesn’t always happen on the first try — and that’s okay. There’s help available, including free tools that can support you through cravings and setbacks.

You can:

• Make a plan to quit
• Get tips and encouragement through the My QuitBuddy app
• Find trusted information and support services at health.gov.au/vaping

Whether you’re thinking about quitting now or just want to learn more, these resources are there to support you — and reminding a friend that help is available can make a real difference too.