--- title: "Vaping, smoking and the decision in the moment" description: "Explain nicotine dependence and risks to a developing brain. Distinguish known vaping harms from uncertainties about long-term effects. Practise a refusal and safe exit before an offer, and identify w" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vaping-smoking-and-the-decision-in-the-moment-mt_0D_HAYKu7K source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vaping-smoking-and-the-decision-in-the-moment-mt_0D_HAYKu7K.md retrieved: 2026-11-12 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Vaping, smoking and the decision in the moment Explain nicotine dependence and risks to a developing brain. Distinguish known vaping harms from uncertainties about long-term effects. Practise a refusal and safe exit before an offer, and identify ways to get support. Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Responsible Decision-Making · Ages 14 to 16 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vaping-smoking-and-the-decision-in-the-moment-mt_0D_HAYKu7K ## Ready when they can - Explain how nicotine affects the reward system, why adolescents are vulnerable to dependence, and how withdrawal can affect concentration - Distinguish established vaping risks from uncertainties about long-term effects - Give a prepared refusal and safe exit for a specific offer, and explain how practice can help ## Lesson: Your answer, decided before Friday Nicotine is addictive. It acts on the brain's reward system, which helps connect experiences with wanting to repeat them. Adolescents' brains are still developing and are vulnerable to nicotine dependence. Withdrawal can bring cravings and trouble concentrating. One use does not guarantee dependence, but trying nicotine can lead to repeated use. Smoking increases risks of cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Vaping produces an aerosol, not harmless water vapour. Many vapes contain nicotine. Even nicotine-free aerosol can contain harmful substances. Some long-term effects are still being studied. Uncertainty does not mean safety, and vaping is not a safe choice for teens. *(drawing: Prepare words and an exit before an offer. A plan can help, but cannot control another person's behaviour.)* **Example.** A friend offers a vape and says, 'Don't be boring.' That is pressure through teasing. Pressure can also be a dare, threat or unspoken expectation. An offer that leaves room for your choice is different. Notice situations linked to offers or urges, such as a particular group or feeling stressed. Use those details to plan support or another activity. Choose a reply such as 'No thanks, I don't vape.' Practise with a supportive friend. Plan a safe place to go if pressure continues. You do not owe a debate, eye contact or perfect delivery. If threatened, leave and get help when you can. If you already smoke or vape and want to stop, ask a trusted adult or health professional for support. Dependence is a health issue, not a character flaw. **Recap.** Nicotine can cause dependence. Vaping has known risks and remaining uncertainties. Practise a refusal, plan a safe exit and ask for support when needed. *Lesson, questions and flashcards written for this dataset.* ## Practice 8 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Effects of Drugs & Alcohol](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/effects-of-drugs-and-alcohol-mt_2R3xRpYhMa) ## Optional connections - [Peer Pressure and Resisting It](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/peer-pressure-and-resisting-it-mt_JivEBTD_KV)