Northern Ireland teens warned vaping during exams could worsen anxiety and concentration

Young people across Northern Ireland are being warned that vaping to cope with exam pressure could actually make stress, anxiety and concentration problems worse, as concerns grow around rising mental health pressures among teenagers.

Drug and alcohol harm reduction charity ASCERT says increasing numbers of young people may be turning to nicotine products during revision and exam season in an attempt to manage anxiety, tiredness and school-related stress.

The warning comes as new figures reveal the scale of mental health struggles facing teenagers, with more than 45% of 16-year-olds showing signs of probable mental ill-health and over 80% reporting anxiety linked to academic performance.

For families across Ballymena and Northern Ireland, the charity says the issue is becoming increasingly important as GCSE, AS and A-Level exams intensify pressure on pupils already struggling with wellbeing challenges.

Exam pressure and vaping concerns growing

ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading charity focused on reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, says it is particularly concerned about vaping becoming normalised among young people during stressful periods such as exam season.

The latest Mental Health Champion’s Kids’ Life and Times and Young Life and Times Report found that young females are especially affected by worsening mental health pressures, while anxiety surrounding school achievement remains one of the biggest concerns reported by teenagers.

Gary McMichael, Chief Executive ASCERT

Gary McMichael, Chief Executive of ASCERT, said young people may mistakenly believe vaping offers short-term relief from stress.

He said:

“Exams can be an incredibly demanding time for young people and many are feeling significant pressure around revision, grades and future opportunities.

“We know that some young people may vape because they believe it helps them manage stress or feel calmer in the short term. However, nicotine can actually contribute to increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping and reduced concentration over time.

“Nicotine is highly addictive and regular use can quickly become difficult to manage. At a time when young people need to protect both their physical health and mental wellbeing, it’s important they are supported to find healthier ways to cope with pressure.”

Why ASCERT says vaping may make exams harder

ASCERT says nicotine use can negatively affect young people in several ways during revision and exams.

Key concerns highlighted by the charity include:

• Higher anxiety levels caused by nicotine cravings and dependency

• Poor sleep quality due to nicotine acting as a stimulant

• Reduced concentration and attention while studying

• Increased risk of nicotine addiction developing quickly

• Ongoing concerns about impacts on lung health and adolescent brain development

The charity warns that while vaping may appear to offer temporary stress relief, dependency can create a cycle where anxiety and irritability worsen as cravings return.

Sleep disruption is also a major concern during exam periods, with ASCERT warning that nicotine can interfere with rest at a time when memory, concentration and emotional resilience are critically important for students.

Healthier ways to manage exam stress

ASCERT is encouraging young people and families to focus on healthier coping strategies throughout the exam period rather than relying on nicotine or excessive caffeine.

The charity recommends:

• Keeping physically active, even through short daily walks

• Breaking revision into manageable study sessions

• Maintaining consistent sleep routines

• Talking openly about stress with trusted adults or friends

• Reducing dependence on nicotine and high caffeine intake

• Seeking support early before stress becomes overwhelming

Mr McMichael said early support and open conversations can make a significant difference for young people feeling under pressure.

He added:

“It’s important that young people know they don’t have to deal with exam pressure alone. Support from parents, schools and trusted adults can make a huge difference during this time.

“By encouraging healthy coping strategies and early conversations around stress, we can help young people protect their wellbeing and avoid behaviours that may create longer-term difficulties.”

Support available across Northern Ireland

ASCERT provides free and confidential support services for young people, adults and families across Northern Ireland experiencing issues linked to alcohol, drugs, vaping and mental health.

Services include:

• One-to-one support and counselling

• Family support services

• School-based prevention, education and counselling programmes

• Online resources and self-help information

Anyone seeking support can visit www.ascert.biz or call 0800 2545 123.

As exam season continues, the charity says protecting young people’s mental wellbeing must remain a priority for families, schools and communities across Northern Ireland.