YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19: BC YOUTH'S EXPERIENCES DURING THE PANDEMIC - MCCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
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YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19: BC youth’s experiences during the pandemic
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YOUTH VAPING
DURING COVID-19:
BC youth’s experiences during the pandemic
Copyright: McCreary Centre Society, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-926675-78-7
McCreary Centre Society
3552 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5K 2A7
Copies of this report are available at: www.mcs.bc.ca.
For enquiries about this report, please email: mccreary@mcs.bc.ca.
Youth researchers McCreary project staff Advisory committee
Aidan Kokotilo-Moen Dr. Maya Peled Laurie Cheung, Regional Tobacco
Director of Evaluation Reduction Coordinator, Richmond,
Aila Norlin Health Protection, Vancouver
Katie Horton Coastal Health
Alina Leonard Youth and Community Projects
Manager Jacqueline Duncan, Tobacco and
Amelia Vapour Prevention and Control,
Stephanie Martin Population Health, Interior Health
Anya Nickolet Director of Community
Engagement Maria Janicker, Senior Policy
Cassidy Leonard Analyst, Tobacco Cessation,
Annie Smith Healthy Living and Health
Dayna Executive Director Promotion Branch, Population and
Public Health Division, BC Ministry
Devyn Hughes of Health
Elsa.c Report layout by Katrina Lehenbauer, Team Leader,
Danielle Mahdal Tobacco and Vapour Prevention
Gabrielle Capelle and Control, Healthy Communities,
Population Health, Interior Health
Georgia Chippendale
Funded by Kim MacLean, Tobacco
Hannah Qin Enforcement Officer, Northern
Interior Region, Northern Region,
Katelyn Andrews Northern Health
Kyla Christianson Jonathan Robinson, Executive
Director, Healthy Living and Health
Lindsay Holmes Promotion Branch, Population and
Public Health Division, BC Ministry
Mackenzie Bolduc of Health
Makayla Mitchell Cheryl Sidenberg, Tobacco Vape
Reduction Coordinator, Tobacco
Margaret Caffrey and Vapour Prevention and
Control, Interior Health
Mia Widner
Art Steinmann, Manager,
Rowan Zawadzki Substance Use Health
Promotion and SACY, Vancouver
Ryder Wilson School Board
Stephanie Coates Dr. Laura Struik, Assistant
Professor, Faculty of Health and
Vienna Chatwin Social Development, School of
Nursing, The University of British
Columbia (Okanagan Campus)
Gerald Thomas Director, Alcohol,
Tobacco, Cannabis and Gambling
Citation:
Policy and Prevention, BC Ministry
McCreary Centre Society (2021). Youth vaping during COVID-19:
of Health
BC youth’s experiences during the pandemic. McCreary Centre
Society, Vancouver.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KEY FINDINGS.......................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 5
BC YOUTH’S EXPERIENCES WITH VAPING.................................................................. 7
Youth who had vaped...................................................................................... 7
Stress and vaping............................................................................................ 9
People youth knew who vaped........................................................................ 10
Perceived harms of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes.............................. 12
Trusted sources for vaping information............................................................ 13
Information about the laws on vaping on school property................................. 16
Advertisements promoting vaping products..................................................... 16
YOUTH WHO HAD NEVER VAPED............................................................................ 17
EXPERIENCES OF YOUTH WHO VAPED.................................................................... 19
Reported reasons for vaping........................................................................... 19
Where youth got their vape juice................................................................... 22
Perceived effects of vaping............................................................................ 23
Who youth vaped with............................................................................... 24
Sharing a vaping device................................................................................ 25
Changes in youth’s vaping behaviour during the pandemic.............................. 25
Stopping or reducing vaping......................................................................... 28
Supports to help youth stop or reduce vaping................................................. 32
WHAT YOUTH WANTED TO LEARN ABOUT VAPING................................................ 33
ROLE OF SCHOOL.................................................................................................. 35
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION............................................................................... 38
SHARING THE RESULTS.......................................................................................... 39
RESOURCES........................................................................................................... 40
APPENDIX: YOUTH RESEARCHERS’ EXPERIENCE ON THE PROJECT.......................... 41
YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
KEY FINDINGS
Data collected from youth aged Among youth who had ever Youth most commonly vaped
12 to 19 in June, September and vaped, those who vaped dur- in person with friends. How-
December 2020 showed that ing the pandemic were more ever, those who vaped during
around a quarter to a third had likely than those who had vaped the pandemic were more likely
ever tried vaping. pre-pandemic to report last vap- than those who had last vaped
ing because they felt addicted; pre-pandemic to have vaped
On all three surveys, youth were were vaping instead of smoking alone, with friends online (e.g.,
more likely to have stopped vap- cigarettes; and because they felt while video chatting), or in
ing or to have vaped less since anxious, sad, or bored. Youth person with their siblings.
the pandemic started than they who had vaped pre-pandemic
were to have vaped more or to were more likely to report having Among youth who vaped in the
have started vaping during the vaped the last time because they past three months, respondents
pandemic. However, by Decem- wanted to try it and because their who completed a survey when
ber, there was an increase in the friends were doing it. school returned in September
percentage of youth who started were more likely to have vaped
vaping and who vaped more in Youth who had never vaped were in person with friends than youth
the past three months, and a more likely than those who had who completed a survey in June
decrease in the percentage who vaped to report trusting vap- or December.
reported vaping less. ing information that came from
health experts, their school, and Around 1 in 5 youth (19%)
Among the 75% of December family. In contrast, youth who reported that returning to school
survey respondents who had had ever vaped were more likely in September affected their
never vaped, more than 8 in 10 to trust health information that vaping, most commonly because
reported not vaping because came from social media and vap- their school-related stress had
they thought it would be bad for ing companies. increased, or because they were
their health and/or they were not again socializing with peers who
interested in vaping. Youth who had vaped during the vaped.
pandemic were the least likely to
The December survey asked trust information that came from The vast majority of youth who
youth who had vaped in the past health experts, their family, and vaped (93%) had shared a vaping
three months on how many of school, and were the most likely device, including 56% who shared
the past 30 days they had vaped. to trust information that came one during the pandemic. The
Over a third of youth had vaped from vaping companies. more frequently youth vaped, the
every day in the past month. more likely they were to share a
Around half of youth (48%) had device.
Among youth who vaped daily, seen advertisements promot-
75% had their first vape within ing vaping products in the past Youth researchers who worked on
30 minutes of waking up, includ- month—commonly on Instagram, this project felt the survey results
ing 34% who had their first vape public transit, Snapchat, YouTube, highlight the need to understand
within five minutes of waking up. and TikTok. the underlying reasons behind
vaping, and that there is often
The more time that elapsed since Just under two thirds of youth more than one reason a youth
the pandemic started, the more who vaped (64%) felt it made might vape. As one stated: “We
likely youth were to report their their physical health worse. How- need to listen to the youth who
stress levels were currently higher ever, 31% reported it improved vape to understand their experi-
compared to pre-pandemic. their social life and 24% felt it ences, because youth who don’t
improved their mental health. vape don’t know what it’s like, and
the same goes for adults.”
4
McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
INTRODUCTION
In 2018, results from the BC The youth researchers met reg- Each survey was accessible online
Adolescent Health Survey showed ularly from May 2020 to January for one month, and youth were
that 27% of BC youth aged 12 to 2021 to develop survey items; welcome to participate at any
19 had vaped in the past month. review and provide context time-point, including at all three
Since then, vaping among BC to results; and discuss survey time-points.
adolescents has been an area of dissemination strategies. The
concern for health professionals, researchers shared each wave At each time-point, youth who
schools, and policy makers. of the survey with their peers completed a survey were wel-
through various social media come to enter into a gift card
Between 2018 and 2020, channels, such as Instagram and draw to win one of six gift cards.
McCreary Centre Society Facebook, as well as through their For the December survey, $2 was
(McCreary) was involved in sev- class ‘chat’ and school website. donated to the Trevor Coburn
eral initiatives seeking to capture Memorial Grant Fund for every
youth’s perspectives on vaping The study included young people submitted survey. A total of
and to ensure youth learned aged 12 to 19 from across BC. $3,548 was raised.
about the potential health Youth who had never vaped, as
impacts of vaping. A number of well as those who had vaped, The surveys took approximately
projects were put on hold when were invited to take part, as the 10 minutes to complete. At each
BC schools closed in March 2020 surveys included questions about time-point, there were a few
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts and perceptions around similar questions. Other items
and there was growing concern vaping that all young people were added or modified based on
that the knowledge of youth vap- could answer. questions generated by findings
ing we had gained pre-pandemic from the previous survey and
may no longer be relevant. The study was comprised of three contextual factors. For example,
different online surveys delivered the September survey asked
To ensure we have a current at three monthly intervals. The about vaping in the context of
and up-to-date understand- first survey was available three the return of in-person schooling.
ing of vaping from a youth’s months after physical distancing
perspective, the BC Ministry of regulations came into effect in Quotes from youth who com-
Health commissioned McCreary BC (June 2020), and subsequent pleted a Vaping during COVID-19
to conduct a study to canvass surveys took place in September survey are included throughout
the vaping experiences of youth 2020 and December 2020. the report.
in the context of the COVID-19
pandemic. An advisory committee
of BC vaping experts oversaw the
project and 28 youth researchers
were recruited and trained from The Trevor Coburn Memorial Grants program was established in
communities across BC to co- honour of Trevor Coburn, who passed away suddenly in August
develop and deliver three online 2020. Trevor was involved with McCreary for over 15 years as a
surveys to their peers. member of the YAC, a peer and adult mentor, and as a researcher
and facilitator on various projects. The granting program
provides grants of up to $500 to young people wanting to
address areas of youth health that Trevor was passionate about,
including peer mentorship, homelessness, substance use, and
youth in and from government care. To learn more about the
fund visit www.mcs.bc.ca/trevor_coburn_memorial_grants.
5
YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Limitations Youth survey respondents
The surveys were designed to A total of 1,120 youth completed Youth ranged in age from 12 to
provide a snapshot of youth a survey in June; 686 completed 19, with an average age of 15.
vaping at different points during one in September; and 1,774 in Fifty-eight percent were female,
the pandemic, rather than as a December. Among youth who 38% were male, and 4% were
longitudinal study of individual completed the September survey, non-binary (they did not identify
youth. As such, the surveys may 14% indicated they had also as male or female, or were not yet
have canvassed different demo- completed one three months sure of their gender identity).
graphics of youth at each time- earlier in June (another 15% did
point. The results may also not not remember if they had done Youth from all five of BC’s Health
be representative of the BC youth so). Among youth who completed Authorities were represented,
population. For example, youth a December survey, 6% reported including Vancouver Coastal
from the Fraser region were they had completed at least (38%), Vancouver Island (28%),
under-represented in the sample. one of the previous two vaping Fraser (16%), Interior (14%), and
surveys (10% of youth who had Northern BC (6%; percentages
vaped vs. 5% of youth who had exceed 100% due to rounding).
Analyses in this report never vaped), including 1% who Survey respondents most com-
had completed both previous monly identified as European,
surveys. Another 17% did not followed by East Asian.
All reported comparisons in this remember if they had completed
report are statistically significant the previous surveys.
at p
McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
BC YOUTH’S EXPERIENCES WITH VAPING
Youth who had vaped
I only vaped once to try it. Once the pandemic happened, I didn't bother to try again.
Since COVID is respiratory, it seems like a foolish idea to vape right now.”
The percentage of survey
respondents who had ever vaped When youth last vaped (among all survey respondents)
ranged from around a third on
the June survey (34%) and Sep- June September December
tember survey (35%) to a quarter 2020 2020 2020
on the December survey (25%).
Never vaped 66% 65% 75%
In June, youth were more likely to
have last vaped pre-pandemic During the pandemic 12% 24% 20%
than during the pandemic,
whereas later into the pandemic Pre-pandemic 22% 12% 5%
this pattern was reversed, with Note: For ‘Never vaped,’ the difference between June and September was not
youth more likely to have vaped statistically significant.
during the pandemic.
There were few gender differ-
ences in having ever vaped or
having vaped during the pan-
demic (among those who had Youth who had ever vaped
vaped). One exception was in
December when females were 39%
more likely than males to have
ever vaped (23% vs. 19%), and
non-binary youth were the most 28%
likely to have done so (53%).
18%
Across all three surveys, older
youth were more likely than 6%
younger ones to have vaped, with
those aged 16 or older the most
likely to have vaped. However, 12 to 13 14 15 16 to 19
among youth who had vaped, years old years old
older and younger youth were
equally likely to have vaped dur-
ing the pandemic. Source: December 2020 survey.
7
YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Among youth who had vaped,
the percentage who vaped in the Youth who vaped in the past three months
past three months increased from (among those who had ever vaped)
June to September. The per-
centages on the September and
60%
December surveys were similar. 55%
The December survey asked 36%
youth who had vaped in the past
three months on how many of
the past 30 days they had vaped.
Over a third of youth had vaped
every day in the past month.
June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
There were no differences based
on gender or age.
Note: The difference between September and December was not statistically
On the December survey, youth significant.
were also asked how soon they
have their first vape after they
wake up. Among those who
vaped in the past month, half Number of days youth vaped in the past month
(50%) reported having their first (among those who had vaped in the past three months)
vape within 30 minutes of waking
up, including 23% who had their
36%
first vape within five minutes.
Another 10% had their first vape
within 31 to 60 minutes, and 40%
17%
had their first vape more than an 13%
hour after waking up. There were 9% 7% 9% 9%
no age or gender differences.
Among youth who vaped every
day in the past month, three 0 days 1–2 3–5 6–9 10–19 20–29 All 30
quarters (75%) had their first vape days days days days days days
within 30 minutes of waking up.
Source: December 2020 survey.
How soon youth vaped after waking up
(among those who vaped every day in the past month)
41%
34%
17%
8%
Within 5 minutes Within 6–30 Within 31–60 After 60 minutes
minutes minutes
Source: December 2020 survey.
8McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Stress and vaping
In September and December, all
youth who completed a survey
were asked how much stress they Youth who vaped in the past three months in relation
experienced in the past month. to how much stress they experienced recently
Most youth who completed the (among those who experienced stress)
December survey (92%) felt at
least a little stressed, including
15% who felt extreme levels that 34%
stopped them from function-
ing properly. Youth were more
18%
likely to report extreme stress
12%
in December than three months 7%
earlier (10% in September).
Youth who experienced higher A little stress in Some Quite a bit Extreme stress
levels of stress were more likely the past month
to have vaped in the past three
months than those who experi-
enced lower levels of stress. Source: December 2020 survey.
On all three surveys, youth were
asked if their stress level was
higher, lower, or about the same Youth whose stress level was higher now than
now compared to before the
pandemic started. The more time pre-pandemic
that elapsed since the pandemic
started, the more likely youth 48%
were to report higher stress levels
now compared to pre-pandemic. 39%
33%
On the December survey, youth
who felt their stress was higher
now than pre-pandemic were
more likely to have vaped during
the pandemic (22% vs. 18% who
felt their stress was about the June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
same as pre-pandemic).
9YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
People youth knew who vaped
Household members Friends
The June survey asked youth if In September, youth were asked In September, youth were asked
they lived with someone who if they have friends who vape. if they were concerned about
currently vaped, and 19% indi- Over half of survey respondents breathing in vapour from others
cated they did. Among these (56%) had close friends who vape, who vaped (second-hand vaping).
youth, 66% reported it was their including 36% who had three or Around 6 in 10 youth (61%) were
siblings, and 21% indicated their more such friends. at least a little concerned about
parents/caregivers vaped. Youth second-hand vaping, including
also identified other people in Youth were more likely to have 8% who were very concerned.
their household who vaped, such ever vaped if they had close Youth who had never vaped were
as roommates. friends who vaped, and those the most likely to be concerned
with three or more such friends about second-hand vaping, while
Youth who lived with someone were the most likely to have those who vaped during the
who currently vaped were more vaped themselves. Also, vaping pandemic were the least likely to
likely to have ever vaped (61% during the pandemic was highest have this concern.
vs. 28% of youth who did not live among youth who had three or
with someone who vaped), and to more friends who vaped (72% vs. The more friends that youth had
have vaped during the pandemic 53% of those with two or fewer who vaped, the less likely they
(46% vs. 31%; among those who friends who vaped; among those were to be concerned about
had ever vaped). who had ever vaped). breathing in vapour from others
(e.g., 38% of youth with three or
more friends who vaped had this
concern vs. 66% with one or two
friends vs. 78% with no friends
who vaped), likely because having
friends who vaped was associated
with vaping themselves.
Youth who had ever vaped
69%
35%
8%
Had no close 1 or 2 Had 3 or more close
friends who vaped friends who vaped
Source: September 2020 survey.
10McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Youth who were at least a little concerned about
second-hand vaping
77%
41%
26%
Never vaped Last vaped Vaped during the
pre-pandemic pandemic
Source: September 2020 survey.
I find it hard to breathe and it makes me feel unsafe when people vape in the
washrooms or in the PE change rooms.”
11YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Perceived harms of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes
I marked ‘I don’t know’ for this question… because I don’t think there’s been enough
research about it. I think that it’s about the same but in 20–30 years maybe we’ll learn it’s
really bad for us, just like they did with cigarettes.”
Across all three surveys, youth
most commonly thought it was
How harmful youth thought vaping was compared
equally harmful to vape as it was
to smoke cigarettes. to smoking cigarettes
Thinking that vaping was less 40%
harmful than smoking cigarettes
was more common among older 24%
youth compared to younger ones
(e.g., on the December survey, 15%
12%
31% of youth aged 14 or older 4% 6%
felt that vaping was less or much
less harmful than cigarettes vs.
Much less Less About More Much I don’t
20% of youth aged 12–13).
harmful harmful the same harmful more know
level of harmful
Regardless of youth’s age, those harm
who had ever vaped were more
likely than those who had never
vaped to feel that vaping was less Source: December 2020 survey.
harmful than smoking cigarettes. Note: Percentages exceed 100% due to rounding.
Youth who had vaped in the past
three months were the most likely
to feel this way (with similar find-
ings across surveys).
Youth who thought vaping was less harmful than
smoking cigarettes
54%
41%
21%
Never vaped Last vaped Vaped in the past
pre-pandemic three months
Source: December 2020 survey.
12McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Trusted sources for vaping information
In June, youth were asked who
they trusted for information
about vaping. The vast majority
Who youth trusted for information on vaping
(those who indicated ‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’)
trusted health experts for this
information, while a little over
half trusted their school and
Health experts 92%
family members, and a minority
trusted the Internet, social media, School 53%
their peers, and vaping compa-
nies. Family members 52%
In September, most youth did The Internet 34%
not access social media when
they wanted reliable information Friends 26%
about vaping. However, 10%
identified social media sites they Social media 18%
had accessed and believed to be Same-age peers other than
trustworthy sources of vaping 13%
friends (classmates, etc.)
information (14% of youth who
Vaping companies 12%
had vaped vs. 7% who had never
vaped). They most commonly
accessed information through
Instagram and Snapchat, followed Source: June 2020 survey.
by YouTube, TikTok, and govern-
ment websites.
Among June survey respondents,
youth who had never vaped were Youth’s experiences with vaping in relation to who
more likely than those who had they trusted (‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’) for
vaped to report trusting vap- information on vaping
ing information that came from
health experts (97% vs. 83%),
Never vaped
their school (64% vs. 33%), and
family (61% vs. 35%). Youth who Last vaped before the pandemic started
had vaped were more likely to
trust information that came from Vaped during the pandemic
social media (21% vs. 16% of
youth who had never vaped) and 97%
87%
vaping companies (21% vs. 7%). 77%
64% 61%
39% 39% 34%
Further, youth who vaped during 20% 27%
the pandemic were less likely 7% 14%
than those who had last vaped
pre-pandemic to trust informa- Health experts School Family Vaping
tion about vaping that came from companies
health experts, their family, and
school, and were more likely to
trust information that came from Source: June 2020 survey.
vaping companies.
13YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Trusted health experts
In September, youth were asked
which health experts they would
trust for information on vaping.
Which health experts youth would trust for information
They were most likely to trust on vaping (those who indicated ‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’)
their own doctor and BC’s Pro-
vincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie
Henry. My doctor 84%
Youth who had never vaped were BC Provincial Health Officer
(Dr. Bonnie Henry) 80%
more likely than those who had
vaped to report trusting the vari-
Chief Public Health Officer of
ous health professionals for infor- 73%
Canada (Dr. Theresa Tam)
mation about vaping. However,
there were no differences among
youth who had vaped (e.g., those School nurse 40%
who vaped more recently com-
pared to pre-pandemic). Other health expert 60%
Source: September 2020 survey.
Note: The difference between ‘My doctor’ and ‘BC Provincial Health Officer’ was not
statistically significant.
Note: For ‘Other health expert,’ youth most commonly specified a family member in
the health care profession.
Which health professionals youth would trust for
information on vaping
(those who indicated ‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’)
Never vaped Ever vaped
My doctor 90% 75%
BC Provincial Health Officer 86% 67%
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada 81% 59%
School nurse 49% 25%
Other health expert 63% 52%
Source: September 2020 survey.
14McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Reliable sources for vaping information
To build on information gained in (6%; they could mark all that vaped were more likely than
earlier surveys about who youth applied). Those who reported those who had never vaped to
trusted for information about they would access the Internet turn to their friends, the Internet,
vaping, the December survey most commonly specified they and social media (findings were
asked youth where they would go would do a Google search and/ generally similar regardless of
if they needed to access relia- or access health websites. Those age). Among youth who had ever
ble information about vaping. who reported they would turn vaped, there was no difference in
Youth most commonly listed to social media most commonly where they would access reliable
an adult family member (48%), specified they would access Ins- vaping information, based on
followed by a similar-age friend tagram. whether they had vaped during
or peer (38%), a doctor (36%), the the pandemic or pre-pandemic.
Internet (34%), an older youth/ Youth who had never vaped
older friend (27%), a sibling or were more likely than those who
another close-in-age relative had vaped to report they would
(22%), teacher (18%), a school access reliable vaping informa-
nurse (12%), and/or social media tion from adults. Those who had
Where youth would go to access reliable information about vaping
Never vaped Ever Vaped
56%
46%
40% 42%
36% 34%
32%
26% 24% 24%
22%
14%
8% 9%
5% 5%
Doctor Adult Teacher School Social Older friend/ Internet Similar-age
relative nurse media youth friend/peer
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
15YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Information about the Advertisements promoting vaping products
laws on vaping on school
property
When asked in December where 7% had seen advertisements
they had seen advertisements promoting vaping in other places,
Youth were asked on the Decem- promoting vaping products in the and they most commonly spec-
ber survey if they had received past month, around half (52%) ified billboards, posters in their
information regarding the laws of youth indicated they had not community, the radio, and vape
about vaping on school property. seen such ads. The rest had seen shops.
Around a quarter of youth (26%) these ads on Instagram (16%),
indicated they had not received public transit (14%), Snapchat Youth who had vaped were more
this information, and another (13%), YouTube (13%), TikTok likely than those who had never
16% did not know or did not (13%), the Internet other than vaped to have noticed advertise-
remember if they had received social media (e.g., ads on web- ments promoting vaping prod-
this information. sites; 12%), television (10%), and ucts in the past month (59% vs.
magazines/newspapers (6%; they 44%).
Just over half of youth (54%) had could mark all that applied). Also,
received this information from
their school, while fewer had
received this information from
their family (12%) and peers/
friends (8%). Also, 3% identified
another source, and these youth
Where youth saw advertisements promoting vaping
commonly specified a police products in the past month
officer, such as an officer con-
nected to their school (they could Never vaped Ever Vaped
mark all that applied).
25%
23%
Regardless of age, youth who had 19%
21%
17% 17%
vaped were more likely to have 13%
11% 12% 12% 10%
received information about the 9%
laws on vaping on school prop-
erty from their peers/friends (11%
vs. 7% of youth who had never Internet YouTube On public TikTok Instagram Snapchat
vaped). (other transit
than social
media)
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
16McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
YOUTH WHO HAD NEVER VAPED
At each time-point, most youth Seven percent specified a reason Among youth who had never
who completed a survey had not among the list of options, vaped, those aged 14 or older
not vaped. In December, youth and common responses included were more likely than younger
who had never vaped were a fear of becoming addicted youth to report not vaping
asked about their reasons for to vaping (because of a family because they were not interested
not doing so. Among the 75% history of addiction, for example); in doing so (85% vs. 76%), they
of survey respondents who had having a pre-existing medical were worried about getting into
never vaped, more than 8 in 10 condition (e.g., asthma) that trouble for vaping (41% vs. 34%),
reported not vaping because would become exacerbated if and they could not afford it (16%
they thought it would be bad for they vaped; not wanting to be vs. 10%). Youth aged 12 or 13
their health and/or they were not associated with negative ste- were more likely than those aged
interested in vaping. reotypes linked to vaping; and 14 or older to report never vaping
feeling that vaping could be det- because they thought it would
rimental to achieving their career be bad for their health (88% vs.
goals. 82%).
Females were more likely than
males to report never vaping
because they were not interested
Reasons for not vaping in doing so (84% vs. 80%) and
(among youth who had never vaped) they thought it would be bad for
their health (87% vs. 81%). There
were no other gender differences
I think it would be bad among youth who had never
84%
for my health vaped.
I am not interested in
82%
vaping
My parents/guardians
58%
would not allow me
I am worried it would
48%
affect my performance
I am worried about getting
into trouble for vaping 39%
My friends would
disapprove 24%
I can’t access vaping
products 23%
I can’t afford it 14%
Other 7%
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
17YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Reasons youth had never vaped
“Worried about getting addicted.”
“Don’t want to risk nicotine addiction.”
“My dad is very addicted to cigarettes and I don’t wanna turn out like him.”
“I have no desire to try vaping after seeing what other forms of smoking have done to family
members.”
“It is a horrible habit that can easily become addictive.”
“It is an unnecessary thing to indulge in, and I’d rather not endanger my health or the people
around me.”
“Vaping is horrible for your health, and it is gross.”
“I have asthma so my heath would get super worse if I vape.”
“I have a heart condition so if I were to vape, it could harm me in the long run a lot more
than others.”
“I know that vaping is bad for my health. I also really like soccer so I wouldn’t want to take away my
chances of being a pro player because of a vape.”
“I am very worried about damaging my lungs. As a distance runner, this would not only damage my
performance but also a big part of my overall health.”
“Popcorn lung sounds nasty.”
“I’m scared of what it will do to me.”
“People mostly do it because it is ‘cool’, but it’s not. It is also very injurious to your health.”
“I personally don’t want to be associated with the stereotype of the ‘stoner’ kid because it will affect
my image and academic performance for post-secondary.”
“My career depends on good health.”
“I don’t think that vaping would benefit me in any way.”
18McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
EXPERIENCES OF YOUTH WHO VAPED
All findings in this section are among youth who had vaped.
Reported reasons for vaping
On all three surveys, youth were
asked about their reasons for Youth’s reasons for vaping the last time they vaped
vaping the last time they had
vaped. The most commonly
I felt like there was nothing else to do/I was bored 40%
reported reasons (across surveys)
were vaping because their friends My friends were doing it 40%
were doing it, feeling there was
nothing else to do, and wanting I wanted to try it 37%
to try it.
The taste/flavours 35%
I felt stressed or anxious 34%
I wanted to have fun 33%
The visual appeal of the vapour 25%
I am addicted to vaping/I feel hooked 24%
I felt down or sad 22%
I vaped instead of smoking cigarettes 16%
I vaped instead of using other substances 16%
A family member was doing it 8%
I was pressured into doing it/to fit in 7%
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
19YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Youth who vaped during the
pandemic were more likely Youth’s reasons for vaping the last time in relation to
than those who had last vaped
pre-pandemic to report vaping
when they last vaped
the last time as an alternative to
smoking cigarettes and because Last vaped pre-pandemic Vaped during the pandemic
they felt addicted to vaping, as
well as for emotional reasons
I felt like there was nothing 32%
such as feeling anxious, sad, and else to do/I was bored 54%
bored. Youth who had last vaped
pre-pandemic were more likely 20%
to report having done so because I felt stressed or anxious
53%
they wanted to try it and because
their friends were doing it. Similar I am addicted to vaping/ 5%
patterns were found in each I feel hooked 30%
survey.
11%
I felt down or sad
Among youth who vaped in the 27%
past three months, those who
completed a survey in Decem- I vaped instead of 8%
ber were less likely than those smoking cigarettes 27%
who completed the earlier two
surveys to report vaping the last 56%
I wanted to try it
time because they felt there was 20%
nothing else to do (e.g., 45% vs.
51%
57%; among September respond- My friends were doing it
40%
ents). They were more likely than
September respondents to report
vaping because they felt down or
sad (30% vs. 18%) and because Source: June 2020 survey.
they felt stressed or anxious.
Youth who reported last vaping because they felt
stressed or anxious
(among those who vaped in the past three months)
53%
47%
34%
June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
Note: The difference between June and December was not statistically significant.
20McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Reasons for vaping (among those who had vaped)
“I’ve only vaped once, it was with my friends. They handed it over and everyone was looking, it was
more like peer pressured. I’ve gotten offered to do it again, but I’ve turned it down. I just don’t think
I’d need to do it, for safety reasons.”
“I have friends that vape and sometimes peer pressure me into doing it.”
“Many kids feel pressured to vape because it’s a social thing.”
“Many kids are getting dependent on vaping. They start out doing it to be cool but they end up
getting addicted.”
“Kids think it’s cool to vape but once you get addicted it sucks.”
“Vaping is a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety for me. Better than self-harm and other
unhealthy things.”
“It seems that a lot of kids I know are [vaping] to deal with mental disorders (e.g., anxiety or
depression) and stress.”
“It helps a lot with stress and that’s what it’s used for as a kind of relief. It’s not just kids wanting to
be cool, it’s a better alternative to other drugs and self-harm for coping with stress and anxiety. It’s
easy and quick.”
“Personally, I have severe trauma and mental health complications that has started my vaping.”
“I can stop [vaping], I can start, I’ve never had any problems. I totally understand it’s bad for you,
but it does relax me, and I’m very VERY moderate with how I do vape. Only on the bad days.”
“Vaping is preferred over cigarettes for me because the higher nicotine levels deliver a quicker
relaxed feel. I have stopped smoking cigarettes as I no longer felt anything. Both make me feel
gross and I do not recommend either unless you can control yourself.”
21YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Where youth got their vape juice
Youth were asked on all three
surveys where they got their vape Where youth got their vape juice, the last time they
juice the last time they vaped. On
vaped
all surveys, they were most likely
to have acquired it from someone
A youth (under age 19) gave it to them 52%
under the age of 19.
Gave someone money to buy it for them 27%
However, youth who vaped dur-
ing the pandemic were less likely An adult (19 or older) bought it for them 16%
than those who had last vaped
pre-pandemic to have acquired Went to the store and bought it 12%
their vape juice from another
youth, and were more likely to Bought it online 8%
have given someone money to
buy their vape juice, or to have Traded something for it 7%
gone to the store to buy it them-
selves. Took it without permission 6%
Source: December 2020 survey.
There were some differences
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
across surveys. Youth who com-
pleted the latter two surveys (in
September and December, 2020)
were more likely than those
who completed the June sur- I can’t bus anywhere to get my juice or vape stuff so I
vey to have received their vape
juice from another youth (just
have to ask my mom to drive me.”
over 43% of respondents who
completed the September and
December surveys vs. 26% of
June survey respondents; among
those who had vaped in the past
three months).
Also, youth who completed a
survey in December were less
likely than those who completed
a survey six months earlier (June)
to have gone to the store to buy
vape juice (16% vs. 30%; among
those who had vaped in the past
three months).
22McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Perceived effects of vaping
The June survey asked youth who
vaped how they thought their
vaping affected their physical
Youth’s thoughts on how their vaping affects their
health, mental health, and social health and social life
life. Most thought that vaping
made their physical health worse, Physical health Mental health Social life
compared to a minority who felt
it worsened their mental health
64%
and social life.
52%
Youth were most likely to think
that vaping made their social life 34% 31%
better, and least likely to think it 28%
23% 24%
made their physical health better.
10%
Youth who had last vaped pre- 3%
pandemic were more likely than
those who vaped during the pan- Vaping makes No effect Vaping makes
demic to feel that vaping wors- it worse it better
ened their mental health (34% vs.
16%) and social life. There were Source: June 2020 survey.
no other differences in perceived Note: 8%–14% of youth reported not knowing how vaping affected their physical
effects of vaping based on when health, mental health, and social life.
youth last vaped.
23YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Who youth vaped with Who youth vaped with the last time they vaped
In person with friend(s) 74%
Consistent across all three
surveys, youth were most likely Alone 33%
to have vaped in person with a
friend the last time they vaped. Online with friend(s) 13%
However, findings generally In person with sibling(s) 8%
showed that those who had last
vaped pre-pandemic were more In person with adult family member(s) 5%
likely to have last vaped face-to-
face with a friend than those who Source: December 2020 survey.
vaped during the pandemic. In Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
contrast, those who vaped during
the pandemic were more likely
than those who had last vaped
pre-pandemic to have vaped Who youth vaped with the last time they vaped, in
alone, with friends online (e.g., relation to when they last vaped
while video chatting), or in person
with their siblings. Last vaped pre-pandemic Vaped during the pandemic
Among youth who vaped in the 86%
past three months, September
respondents were less likely than 64%
49%
June and December respondents
to have vaped alone the last time 18% 18% 14%
they vaped, and were the most 3% 4%
likely to have vaped in person
with friends. Last vaped in Alone Online with In person with
person with friends siblings
friends
Source: June 2020 survey.
Who youth last vaped with
(among those who vaped in the past three months)
June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
78%
64% 66%
49%
42%
29%
Last vaped in person with friends Last vaped alone
Note: The differences between June and December were not statistically significant.
24McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Sharing a vaping device Changes in youth’s vaping behaviour during the pandemic
In December, youth were asked
if they had ever shared a vaping The COVID-19 pandemic affected my vaping because
device with someone. The vast I was not able to get juice, so therefore I was forced
majority of youth who vaped to quit. I was also not spending time with friends who
(93%) indicated they had shared
have vapes. I also realized how destructive it was on my
a device, including 56% who
shared one during the pandemic health and no longer found it interesting.”
and 54% pre-pandemic (youth
could mark all that applied).
Three months into the pan- June survey respondents who last
Among youth who vaped during demic, half of June survey vaped because they were addicted
the pandemic, those aged 14 or respondents indicated that the to vaping or because they felt
older were more likely to have pandemic had no effect on their sad, stressed, or bored were more
shared a vaping device during vaping (54% of youth who had likely to report an increase in their
the pandemic than those aged last vaped pre-pandemic vs. vaping since the pandemic started
12 or 13 (e.g., 77% of youth 42% of youth who had vaped compared to youth who vaped for
aged 14 or 15 vs. 47% of those during the pandemic). other reasons, such as to have fun,
aged 12 or 13). because they enjoyed the taste/fla-
Youth were more likely to have vours, or because their friends were
Youth who last vaped in person stopped vaping or to have vaping. For example, 17% of youth
with friends were more likely to vaped less since the pandemic who had last vaped because they
share a vaping device during started than they were to have were stressed or anxious reported
the pandemic than youth who vaped more or to have started an increase in their vaping since
did not last vape in person with vaping during the pandemic. the pandemic started, compared
friends (74% vs. 61%; among to 7% of youth who had last vaped
those who vaped during the because their friends were doing it.
pandemic). Also, those who
vaped on six or more days in the
past month were more likely to
share a vaping device during the
pandemic than those who vaped Effects of the first three months of the pandemic on
on fewer days (81% vs. 65%; youth’s vaping (among those who had ever vaped)
among those who vaped during
the pandemic)
No change in vaping 50%
There were no differences in Stopped vaping during the pandemic 24%
sharing a vaping device based
on youth’s gender, or on where Vaping less since the pandemic started 16%
they got their vape juice.
Tried to quit during the pandemic but was unsuccessful 9%
Vaping more since the pandemic started 7%
Started vaping during the pandemic 2%
Source: June 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
25YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Experiencing stress or boredom as reasons for increased vaping was reflected in some June survey
respondents’ answers to an open-ended question about how the pandemic had affected their vaping:
“Before the pandemic, I would only vape once every couple of months, but due to increased stress
levels I have vaped several times during the pandemic.”
“In my opinion the pandemic made me [vape] a lot more cuz the online schooling stresses me out a
lot and when I chuff it helps with that.”
“I wanted to quit because it was affecting my breathing and I wanted to get in shape but the stress
of school and the pandemic made [my vaping] worse than ever before.”
“I’m bored and vaping is something to do.”
“When COVID-19 started I thought this was a good time to quit, because I’ve always thought of
quitting. I was going vape free for a good week or two, but then eventually I started vaping
again. I think it’s the boredom and staying in bed that really made me have thoughts like ‘imagine
having a head rush right now.’”
When asked in June if the pan- In September, youth were asked However, there were some
demic had affected the amount if their vaping behaviour was changes over time. For exam-
of nicotine they vape, most youth different now compared to three ple, by December there was an
(59%) reported no effect in this months earlier (around June increase in the percentage of
area. Around a quarter (23%) 2020). Consistent with findings youth who started vaping and
reported they had been vaping on the June survey, youth were who vaped more in the past three
less nicotine as a result of the more likely to report a reduction months, and there was a decrease
pandemic, while fewer youth had or cessation (54%) than they were from September in the percent-
been vaping more nicotine (10%). to report that they had started age who reported vaping less.
Nine percent reported not know- vaping or that they were vaping
ing if the pandemic had affected more (16%). Similarly, in Decem-
the amount of nicotine they vape ber youth were more likely to
(among those who indicated the have vaped less or completely
question applied to them). stopped vaping (46%) than they
were to have started vaping or
vaped more (22%) over the past
three months.
26McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Youth’s reported changes in their vaping behaviour compared to three months earlier
(among those who had ever vaped)
June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
50%
31% 30% 28%
16% 18% 16%
12%
7% 6%
2% 4%
No change in vaping Vaping less Vaping more Started vaping
Note: For ‘no change in vaping,’ the difference between September and December was not statistically significant.
Note: For ‘vaping less,’ the difference between June and December was not statistically significant.
Note: The difference between September and the other two timepoints was not statistically significant for ‘vaping more’ and
‘started vaping’.
Returning to school in September
On the September survey, around How (if at all) youth felt that returning to school in
1 in 5 youth (19%) reported that September affected their vaping (September 2020)
returning to school that month—
after an extended leave due to the “More stress therefore more vaping.”
pandemic—affected their vaping.
When asked to explain, youth most “Stress levels are high, especially when starting [school].”
commonly indicated that their
vaping increased because their “School is very stressful for me so it has increased my vaping,
school-related stress had increased, in school and out of school.”
or they were vaping more because
they were again socializing with “There are more people who have vapes at school.”
peers who vaped.
“My friend has a vape and I do it sometimes, and if I am at
school I will be around it all the time.”
“More opportunities [to vape] being around people with
constant access.”
27YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
December holiday season Stopping or reducing vaping
Reasons youth stopped or reduced their vaping during the pandemic
December is a
really hard month Among youth who had stopped Over time, youth were less likely
for me.” or reduced their vaping in the to report having fewer oppor-
past three months, their most tunities to vape but were more
common reason for doing so likely to report not having enough
(across surveys) was a loss of money to vape, as reasons they
On the December survey, 7% of interest in vaping. However, youth had stopped or reduced their vap-
youth reported that the Decem- were more likely to report this ing in the past three months.
ber holiday season affected their reason in June than September
vaping. When asked to explain, (53% vs. 42%).
around half of these youth com-
mented they were vaping more—
for example, due to school-
related and pandemic-related
stress. The other half commented Youth’s reasons for having stopped or reduced their
they were vaping less because
it was more difficult for them to
vaping in the past three months
(among those who stopped or reduced their vaping)
access vapes/vape juice or they
decided to quit (e.g., because
they started caring more about
their health). Lost interest in vaping 47%
Worried about their health 37%
Not allowed to vape in
37%
their home
Didn’t have enough money
19%
to vape
Had fewer opportunities to vape 18%
Could not get vape juice 18%
Could not get a vaping device 18%
Shifted from vaping to using
substances other than cigarettes/ 8%
tobacco products
Shifted from vaping to using
3%
cigarettes or other tobacco products
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
28McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
In response to an open-ended
question on the June survey
Youth’s reasons for having stopped or reduced their about how the pandemic has
vaping in the past three months affected their vaping, youth most
(among those who stopped or reduced their vaping) commonly noted that they had
vaped only in social situations
June 2020 September 2020 December 2020 before the pandemic (e.g., at
school or parties), and due to the
31% physical distancing regulations
that came into effect, they had
25%
fewer opportunities and less of
18% 19% a desire to vape during the first
12% 14% three months of the pandemic.
Also, many explained they did
not own a vaping device and had
Had fewer opportunities Didn’t have enough shared their friends’ vapes before
to vape money to vape the pandemic, which they did not
want to do during the pandemic
due to the risk of contracting
Note: The difference between September and the other two timepoints was not COVID-19. Some added that they
statistically significant. had no desire to buy their own
vaping device.
29YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Youth’s comments about reduced vaping during the pandemic
“I stopped vaping because I was never addicted to it in the first place, just did it because friends did it.”
“I don’t own a vape, and during the pandemic I haven’t thought about vaping at all. It is strictly a
social activity for me.”
“I never enjoyed vaping, I would just do it when my friends were to try it out. I’d only use it once or
twice and then I’d get bored and wouldn’t use it for a month.”
“I can’t go to school and meet my friends anymore so I don’t have the same opportunities to vape.”
“My friend who I’d vaped with decided to quit during the pandemic so I don’t feel the need to
vape at all.”
“I usually vape at parties and I haven’t gone to any since the pandemic started.”
“I usually only hit it like 2 or 3 times at parties or with friends… Since we haven’t been able to hang
out with friends, I don’t do it because I don’t have [a vaping device]. I actually don’t even like it at all.
I would neeevverr buy one. To me it’s a waste of money.”
“I stopped because I don’t have my own vape and sharing them is unsanitary during this time
especially. I never had an addiction, I’d just occasionally use my friends’.”
“I haven’t vaped cause I haven’t seen my friends and I use their vapes.”
“I don’t own a vape I only share with friends at parties. But since COVID-19 I ain’t sharing
anytime soon.”
“COVID-19 made me stop vaping because I don’t want to share germs with people and I don’t have
my own [vaping device].”
“Me having asthma and vaping and also the COVID-19 pandemic made me want to stop.”
“I started to care about my future and how much vaping could possibly affect it.”
30McCREARY CENTRE SOCIETY
Desire to stop or reduce vaping Reasons for wanting to stop or reduce vaping
Around 60% of December survey There were generally no differ-
respondents who were vaping I just don’t wanna ences in reasons youth gave for
indicated they wanted to stop or be like 27 and still wanting to stop vaping, based
reduce their vaping. This included vape.” on their gender identity, age, or
35% who wanted to do so in the number of days they vaped in
next three months, 18% within the past month. Exceptions were
the next year, and 8% in more that youth aged 14 or older were
than a year. Percentages were On the December survey, youth more likely to identify having lost
comparable to findings from Sep- who indicated they wanted to interest in vaping as a reason
tember when the question was stop or reduce their vaping were for wanting to stop or reduce
asked for the first time. asked for their reasons. Most their vaping. Those who vaped
identified thinking that vaping on five or fewer days were also
There were no differences in was bad for their health. more likely to want to stop or
youth’s reported desire to stop reduce their vaping because they
or reduce their vaping based on had lost interest (61% vs. 30% of
their gender, age, or number those who vaped on more days).
of days they vaped in the past
month.
Youth who saw vaping as less
harmful than smoking cigarettes Youth’s reasons for wanting to stop or reduce their vaping
were less likely to report wanting (among those who wanted to stop or reduce their vaping)
to stop or reduce their vaping
(e.g., 28% vs. 46% who saw vap-
ing as equally harmful as smoking
I think vaping is bad for my health 78%
cigarettes).
I am worried vaping will affect
Among December respondents, my performance, or it has already 47%
those who last vaped because affected my performance
they wanted to have fun were less
likely to indicate a desire to stop I have lost interest in vaping 41%
or reduce their vaping compared
to youth who last vaped for other
I am worried that vaping might 32%
reasons (48% vs. 68%). This find-
worsen COVID-19 symptoms
ing was not seen in September.
I can’t afford it 28%
My friends have stopped vaping 9%
My friends disapprove of 8%
my vaping
Source: December 2020 survey.
Note: Youth could mark all that applied.
31YOUTH VAPING DURING COVID-19
Supports to help youth stop or reduce vaping
I think it’s great that there are websites and links on the Internet providing important
information about this unknown and potentially harmful addiction.”
Awareness of resources Help to stop vaping
Among youth who had ever vaped, However, compared to those who Youth were asked on the Sep-
most were unaware of available completed a survey six months tember survey what would help
resources to help young people earlier (June), youth in December them, or what has helped them,
quit or reduce their vaping. For were more likely to know about to stop or reduce their vaping.
example, 62% of December QuitNow (19% vs. 12%; among They most commonly identified
respondents who vaped had not those who vaped). feeling ready or motivated to do
heard of any available resources so (36%) and/or spending less
in BC, and less than a third (29%) Youth were also aware of other time around others who vape
had heard about HealthLink BC. resources to help young people (37%). Other identified supports
stop or reduce their vaping, and included mental health counsel-
they most commonly specified ling (11%) and access to Nicotine
resources through their school. Replacement Therapy (NRT) prod-
ucts or smoking cessation prod-
ucts (4%). A few youth indicated
that access to QuitNow, Health-
Link BC, and/or getting more
support through their school to
stop or reduce their vaping would
be helpful or has been helpful
(numbers too small to report).
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