Involving young people in local tobacco and vaping policy: perspectives from a participatory action research study in a London Borough
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Authors
Hartwell, Greg
Aquino, Maria Raisa Jessica(Ryc)
Dowrick, Lorna
Gillespie, Duncan
Hartwell, Greg
Holding, Eleanor
Hulin, Joe
Patterson, Maddey
Rinaldi, Chiara
Contact
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Working with people and communities , Neighbourhood health & place-based working
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background
There have been recent calls for public health to champion young people's voices, particularly when policies are likely to directly impact them. Many local authorities (LAs) are in the process of adapting their tobacco and vaping strategies to respond to changes in national legislation. As young people will be affected by these changes, most notably the ‘smoke free generation' policy, it is important that their voices are incorporated into local decision-making to develop effective policies that address young people's needs.
Objectives
This study explores the views of young people and policy stakeholders in a London borough on: 1) local responses to new national tobacco and vaping legislation; and 2) how young people can be meaningfully involved in these changes. We draw on participatory action research approaches to co-produce recommendations for youth involvement in local policymaking.
Methods
We conducted focus group discussions with young people aged 14-18 years to understand their perspectives on the new legislation and the role of young people in policy decisions. We also interviewed local policy stakeholders to understand current youth involvement practice, and challenges and facilitators to meaningful and inclusive youth participation in tobacco and vaping policy. Our research methods were co-developed with a youth advisory group and public health practitioners.
Learning so far
Preliminary findings suggest that young people continue to have concerns about youth vaping despite the disposable vapes ban. While some were supportive of the new legislation, others believed impacts would be limited without effective enforcement mechanisms and local support services. Policy stakeholders emphasised the need to strengthen cross-sector collaborations and youth participation to maximise the impact of tobacco and vaping policy. They suggested this involves deepening existing relationships with the voluntary sector and schools, and co-producing public health communications with young people.
Next steps
Once data collection is completed, we will share findings with our youth advisory group and undertake workshops to co-produce recommendations to support future youth involvement with policy stakeholders. We will synthesise findings across two other research sites (outside London) and share transferable learning at a workshop bringing together national policymakers and LAs across London and beyond.