Vaping
In recent years, smoking by young people has been steadily declining, but the production of Vapes is largely replacing traditional smoking with young people. To a greater degree, it is less regulated and is more easily available from multiple shopping outlets as well as online. Vaping is new and so far the impact on people’s health is still being determined, but despite that lack of knowledge there are some shocking concerns. With the lack of regulation, particularly in the online environment, the content of vapes varies massively and can contain illegal substances. An example of this can be taken from a recent operation in Devon and Cornwall where vapes taken from students were found to contain illegal substances.
So one of the greatest concerns we have for young people is that we know they don’t know what is in their Vapes. Whilst they may be smoking with little disregard to the potential health impacts, we need to be educating and creating safe environments for them.
Latest News
16/04/2025: Disposable vape use falling in UK ahead of ban
The popularity of disposable e-cigarettes or vapes has fallen ahead of a UK-wide ban, external on their sale on 1 June, a study suggests.
31/03/2025: Some children vaping in class, say teachers (Wales)
School pupils are unable to concentrate because of the effects of nicotine and some are even vaping in class, according to teachers.
24/02/2025: Vaping ‘more dangerous than smoking’, bombshell first-of-its-kind study reveals – raises risk of THREE deadly diseases
Regularly using e-cigarettes could put users at risk of dementia, heart disease and organ failure, a bombshell study has revealed.
19/02/2025: 10-year study to shed light on youth vaping
Landmark study to investigate long-term health effects of vaping on young people’s health and wellbeing, alongside wider influences on adolescent health.
10/02/2025: Wales: Children starting secondary school as vape addicts
Children are starting secondary school already addicted to vaping, a Welsh government minister has said.
01/02/2025: Top supermarkets running ‘prohibited’ tobacco ads
Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are displaying adverts for tobacco products in their stores which Trading Standards says are against the law.
06/11/2024: What is the UK smoking ban and how many people still smoke?
It will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes in the UK, under new laws proposed by the government.
24/10/2024: Disposable vapes to be banned from June
The sale of single-use disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year, the government has confirmed.
09/09/2024: Fitness of youngsters who vape ‘is just as bad as smokers of same age’, study reveals
Young vapers perform worse in exercises than their peers who do not use e-cigarettes and record performances similar to smokers the same age, according to a study.
02/08/2024: Sex abuser used vapes to groom 14-year-old girl
A 14-year-old girl has told the BBC she was sexually abused by an older man who groomed her by posing as a teenager offering to buy her vapes.
ASH guidance on developing school policies on vaping
ASH have produced information to support schools in creating a robust policy around vapes in schools including questions to ask to inform wider school policies and ethos
- Do staff know what they would do if children in Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 are found to be smoking or vaping?
- Would policy change for children of different ages?
- Is there a range of sanctions to reflect severity?
- Do your policies support students if vaping is being used to stop smoking?
- How do you support children who smoke to stop?
- Are you in touch with school nurses about these issues?
- Do these policies align with a wider school ethos? If so, how?
The full document can be viewed here.
Addressing common myths about vaping: Putting the evidence in context
This short brief is to aid responsible reporting of the evidence about vaping and reduce:
- Repetition of misconceptions as conventional wisdom;
- Overstating the evidence, with caveats downplayed or missed out;
- Presenting opinions as facts.
You can read the full document here.
If you are from a school, college, or are a safeguarding lead there are a range of resources developed by ‘Smoke Free Sheffield’ you may find useful including:
- Two posters which can be displayed where students will see them, such as school toilets, classrooms, canteens, and noticeboards. Both digital and printed versions are available.
- A short, animated film which can be used in PSHE lessons, form times and assemblies, to start discussions.
- PowerPoint slides ready for use by teachers in the classroom alongside the animated film to guide discussions.
- To back up the slides for classroom use is a more detailed slideset for teachers, providing additional information to support educators, answering questions and signposting to additional support.
- An electronic leaflet designed for parents and carers giving more information about smoking and vaping.
