Teens, Vaping and Substance Use: What Parents Really Need to Know
This week, we were joined by Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, founder of the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation. After the tragic loss of her son, Fiona has devoted her life to improving drug education for young people. She joined us to talk about something many parents are concerned about, vaping, alcohol and substance use.
While overall substance use among young people may be going down, what’s becoming clear is that exposure, accessibility and potential harm are changing, particularly through social media and stronger, less predictable substances.
What’s changing for young people
From Fiona’s work across schools and communities, one of the clearest messages is that young people are growing up with far greater exposure to substances than previous generations. This doesn’t mean that all teenagers are using them, but it does mean:
they are more aware of them
they may see them as more normal
and they are often making decisions in environments without adult guidance
Alongside this, some substances are becoming stronger and more unpredictable, increasing the risks when young people do experiment.
Social media and drugs
Social media can play a big role in influencing how young people perceive substances. Research from UCL highlights that:
many teenagers are exposed to drug-related content online, often without searching for it
around 29% have seen drugs advertised for sale
and the more they see this content, the less risky they believe drug use to be
This matters because when something feels normal or low-risk, young people are more likely to engage with it. Social media doesn’t just expose young people to substances, it can normalise and even promote them, often without any meaningful context around the risks.
What are the most common substances?
Across schools, the same substances tend to come up consistently. The most common are:
Alcohol
Nicotine (cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches)
Cannabis (herbal cannabis, edibles and THC vapes)
These are the substances most young people are likely to come across in their social environments.
Other substances to be aware of
There are also some substances that, while less common, are becoming more visible and carry particular risks:
Ketamine — use has increased, along with harm, particularly affecting the bladder in late teens and early twenties
THC (especially in stronger forms or vapes) — linked to anxiety, panic and paranoia
Spice (synthetic cannabis) — often much stronger, more unpredictable, and with a higher risk of addiction
Prof Chris Pudney did some research which shows that some vapes sold as THC products may actually contain spice, which can lead to very different and unexpected effects. See link in resources below.
Alcohol
Alcohol is still one of the most likely substances young people will come across, often in social settings like parties or small gatherings. While many teenagers aren’t drinking regularly, it can feel like a normal part of “fitting in,” particularly when it’s framed as low-risk or just part of having fun. What Fiona highlighted is that it’s not always about heavy use, but the situations young people find themselves in where judgement can shift, limits aren’t always clear, and decisions are influenced by the group around them. For parents, it’s about helping teenagers think ahead about those situations, rather than only reacting afterwards.
Nicotine and addiction
Nicotine remains one of the most addictive substances young people encounter. It is found in:
cigarettes
vapes
nicotine pouches
While the stimulant effect is relatively mild, nicotine reaches the brain quickly and reinforces repeated use. In adolescence, even relatively small amounts can lead to dependence, as the brain is still developing and more vulnerable to addictive patterns.
What should parents look out for?
It’s not always easy to spot substance use, particularly as some effects are short-lived. However, parents might notice:
changes in behaviour or mood
shifts in friendship groups
reduced engagement with school or activities
increased secrecy or withdrawal
Importantly, many of these can also be part of normal teenage development, so they are best seen as prompts for a conversation rather than proof.
The role of conversation
One of the strongest takeaways from this session is that open, ongoing conversations really matter. These are not one-off discussions, but something that builds over time. Helpful approaches include:
staying calm and non-judgemental
asking questions with curiosity rather than accusation
listening as much as talking
using everyday moments (films, social media, news stories) as natural starting points
If parents feel uncomfortable raising these topics, it’s worth remembering that teenagers are likely to feel it even more, so keeping the tone open and manageable makes a difference.
Supporting better decisions
Alongside conversation, helping teenagers develop decision-making skills is just as important. This might include:
thinking through different scenarios
having an “exit plan” if they feel uncomfortable
understanding how peer influence and online content can shape behaviour
The aim isn’t just to tell young people what to do, but to help them think more clearly and confidently in the moment.
Final thought
Teenagers are growing up in a world where substances are more visible, more accessible, and often presented without context. While that can feel worrying for parents, staying connected, informed and open creates the best chance of guiding young people through these decisions safely. It’s not about having all the answers, but making sure they know they can come to you when it matters.
Watch the full session
Watch the full session with Fiona Spargo Mabbs, OBE on the Let’s All Talk Mental Health hub here.
Resources for parents
DSM Foundation – https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/parents/
Talk to Frank – https://talktofrank.com/
Smoking campaigns (ASH) – https://ash.org.uk/campaigns
Teen Smokefree – https://teen.smokefree.gov/
99p alcohol shots article – https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/05/sazerac-brings-99p-shot-brand-to-the-uk/
Prof Christ Pudney Research - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c897qw8ddp9o