The Role of Schools in Combating Vaping Amongst Teens

School vaping education has become an increasingly important issue in recent years due to the rising prevalence of vaping among young people. Vaping, which is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes or similar devices, has become a popular activity among teenagers, with many using it as a substitute for smoking. However, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping, as well as the impact it can have on young people’s academic performance and social development.

Schools have an important role to play in educating young people about the risks associated with vaping and helping to prevent its use. This can include providing information about the legal and policy framework surrounding vaping, as well as highlighting the potential health risks and misconceptions associated with it. Schools can also provide support and intervention strategies for students who are struggling with addiction or other related issues. However, there are challenges associated with delivering effective vaping education in schools, including the impact of social media and the need for ongoing teacher training and support.

Key Takeaways

• Schools play a crucial role in educating young people about the risks associated with vaping and preventing its use.
• Effective vaping education requires a comprehensive approach that includes information on the legal and policy framework, potential health risks, and support and intervention strategies.
• Schools face challenges in delivering effective vaping education, including the impact of social media and the need for ongoing teacher training and support.

Vaping Prevalence Among Youth

Statistics and Trends

According to a report by NHS Digital, the number of young people vaping has risen in recent years. In 2021, 9% of secondary school pupils in the UK were found to be using e-cigarettes either regularly or occasionally, up from 6% in 2018. The report also shows that among young people aged 16 to 24 who started vaping, 52.2% tried unsuccessfully to quit, an average of 4.8 times.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey has shown a decrease in the number of teens trying combustible cigarettes from 70% in 1991 down to 28.9% in 2017. However, the same survey found that e-cigarette use among high school students increased from 1.5% in 2011 to 27.5% in 2019.

Factors Influencing Youth Vaping

Several factors contribute to the rising prevalence of youth vaping. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased stress and anxiety among young people, which may have contributed to an increase in vaping habits. Additionally, Osibogun et al. found that youth who vape are five times more likely to smoke combustible cigarettes, indicating that vaping may act as a gateway to smoking.

Attitudes towards vaping and nicotine vaping products also play a role in youth vaping prevalence. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that interventions aimed at changing attitudes towards vaping and increasing knowledge about its harms were effective in reducing vaping prevalence among youth.

In summary, the prevalence of youth vaping is rising, and several factors contribute to this trend. Efforts to reduce youth vaping prevalence should focus on changing attitudes towards vaping and increasing knowledge about the harms of nicotine vaping products.

School’s Role in Vaping Education

Vaping among school-aged children is on the rise in the UK. According to the latest data from NHS Digital, the proportion of children vaping has increased from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2022. As such, it is important for schools to play a role in educating students about the risks associated with vaping.

Incorporating Vaping Education into the Curriculum

One way schools can educate students about vaping is by incorporating it into the curriculum. Health education classes can include lessons on the dangers of vaping, including addiction, lung damage, and other health risks. KS3 form time activities can also be used to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. Teachers can use these activities to discuss the facts about vaping and its impact on health.

Staff Training and Resources

Schools also need to ensure that their staff are trained to identify and address vaping among students. Designated safeguarding leads can receive training on how to identify vaping and provide support to students who may be struggling with addiction. Educators can also be provided with resources such as posters, leaflets, and videos to help raise awareness about the dangers of vaping.

In conclusion, schools have an important role to play in educating students about the dangers of vaping. By incorporating vaping education into the curriculum and providing staff with the necessary training and resources, schools can help prevent the rise of vaping among school-aged children.

Legal and Policy Framework

Regulations on Vaping Products

In the UK, vaping products are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. These regulations cover the manufacture, sale, and marketing of e-cigarettes and vaping products. The regulations prohibit the sale of vaping products to anyone under the age of 18, and they require that all vaping products be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can be sold.

The regulations also require that all vaping products be child-resistant and tamper-evident, and they restrict the amount of nicotine in a vape and the size of e-liquid bottles to a maximum of 10ml. Additionally, the regulations prohibit the use of certain ingredients in e-liquids, such as vitamins, caffeine, and taurine.

School Policies on Vaping

Secondary schools in the UK are responsible for developing their own policies on vaping. These policies should be designed to protect the health and well-being of secondary school pupils, and they should be consistent with the school’s overall policies on tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has released national vaping guidance for schools, which is designed to help schools develop effective policies on vaping. The guidance is for designated safeguarding leads, PSHE leads, and others developing school policies on vaping. It includes national data on youth attitudes and behaviour, and it sits alongside a more extensive ASH youth vaping briefing for local authorities, schools, and parents.

School policies on vaping should address issues such as the use of e-cigarettes on school premises, the possession of vaping products by pupils, and the enforcement of vaping policies. Schools should also consider the role of social media in promoting vaping to young people and should develop strategies to counteract this.

It is important for schools to work closely with local authorities and trading standards to ensure that their policies are consistent with local legislation and regulations. Schools should also consult with parents and pupils when developing their policies on vaping.

Impact of Social Media

Social media has played a significant role in the promotion and normalisation of vaping culture among young people. It has become a platform for tobacco companies to market their products and target young smokers. The ease of access to social media platforms such as TikTok has made it easier for young people to access and share information about vaping.

Social Media’s Role in Vaping Culture

Social media has been used as a tool for peer influence and peer pressure, especially among young people. It has created a virtual space where young people can share their experiences and encourage each other to use vaping products. The use of influencers and celebrities to promote vaping products on social media has also contributed to the normalisation of vaping culture among young people.

Countering Vaping Promotion Online

To counter the promotion of vaping on social media, it is essential to provide accurate and reliable information about the risks associated with vaping. Education campaigns can be designed to provide young people with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their health. Social media can also be used to provide positive messages and support for young people who want to quit vaping.

In conclusion, social media has played a significant role in the promotion and normalisation of vaping culture among young people. It is essential to provide accurate and reliable information about the risks associated with vaping and counter the promotion of vaping on social media to protect young people’s health.

Health Risks and Misconceptions

Understanding the Dangers of Vaping

Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. However, vaping still poses significant health risks, especially to young people. Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in vaping products, can harm the adolescent brain, which is still developing. According to a study, vaping can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Moreover, vaping products can contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, which can cause cancer.

Parents and educators should be aware of the dangers of vaping and the potential harms it can cause. Empowering schools with the right information and resources can help safeguard students against the harms of vaping. Deborah Arnott, the Chief Executive of ASH, recognises the growing concerns about children vaping and advocates for the need to educate young people about the dangers of vaping.

Combatting Misinformation

There are many misconceptions surrounding vaping, which can lead to harmful behaviours. For instance, some young people believe that vaping is risk-free, or that it can help them quit cigarette smoking. However, according to the NHS, vaping is not risk-free, and it is not an effective way to quit smoking.

Parents and educators should combat misinformation by providing accurate information about the dangers of vaping. They should also address the reasons why young people vape, such as peer pressure, and provide alternative coping strategies that promote well-being. By providing accurate information and addressing the root causes of vaping behaviour, parents and educators can help young people make informed decisions about their health.

Support and Intervention Strategies

School vaping education is an essential tool in preventing young people from taking up vaping. However, it is also important to have support and intervention strategies in place for students who may be at risk of starting or have already started vaping. This section will explore two key strategies that can be used to support and intervene with students who may be at risk.

Identifying and Assisting At-Risk Students

School staff should be trained to identify students who may be at risk of starting or have already started vaping. This can be achieved through regular safeguarding training that includes information on the signs and symptoms of vaping. Once identified, staff should provide support and guidance to students to help them make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

One way to assist at-risk students is to provide access to resources and information on the dangers of vaping. The NHS and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) offer a range of resources that can be used to educate students on the risks associated with vaping. Schools can also work with local authorities to develop policies that empower students to make informed decisions about their health.

Collaboration with Parents and Local Authorities

Collaboration with parents and local authorities is another key strategy for supporting and intervening with students who may be at risk. Schools should work with parents to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of vaping and the school’s policies on vaping. Parents should be encouraged to talk to their children about vaping and to seek support from the school if they have concerns.

Local authorities can also play a role in supporting schools to prevent vaping. They can provide funding for vaping prevention programmes, work with schools to develop policies, and provide training for staff on how to identify and support at-risk students. In some cases, local authorities may also be involved in the suspension or expulsion of students who continue to vape despite support and intervention.

In conclusion, supporting and intervening with at-risk students is an essential part of school vaping education. By identifying and assisting at-risk students and collaborating with parents and local authorities, schools can create a safe and supportive environment that empowers students to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Resources: 

• https://digital.nhs.uk/news/2022/decrease-in-smoking-and-drug-use-among-school-children-but-increase-in-vaping-new-report-shows
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023954/ 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9243163/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379723003896 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9243163/ 
• https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/ 
• https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/new-national-vaping-guidance-for-schools-released-by-action-on-smoking-and-health/ 
• https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools/resources/vaping-ks3-form-time-activities 
• https://myresources.education.wa.edu.au/docs/default-source/resources/vaping-faq-(schools)-v8.pdf?sfvrsn=6e0a3ca5_1