Kids at risk: tackling vaping in schools

Have you noticed how quickly things change when it comes to raising kids? From the days of candy cigarettes to today's concerns about vaping in schools, the landscape of childhood seems to be evolving faster than ever. 

While you might have seen scary headlines about clouds of bubblegum-flavoured vapour taking over classrooms, the good news is that widespread vaping in primary schools is less common than a peaceful lunch break!

However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be proactive. The Department for Education (DfE) is stepping up with new guidance and upcoming laws. But what exactly does this mean for you and your primary school child?

Vaping on the out: banning the disposables

Here's a big change – the sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned in England, Scotland and Wales! This decision comes after a public consultation where nearly 70% of respondents, including parents and teachers, voiced their support for the ban. The concern was that the designs and flavours of disposable vapes make them particularly appealing to young people.

More than just a ban

The good news is, the government isn't just stopping at a ban. They're also looking to make all vapes less attractive to children by regulating flavours, packaging and how they're displayed in shops. Additionally, trading standards officers will have the power to hit stores with on-the-spot fines for selling vapes or tobacco products to minors.

Getting our children ready for what's next

Okay, so vaping isn't a big problem in primary schools right now, but it's creeping up among older kids. A recent survey by the anti-smoking group ASH found that 20.5% of children aged 11 to 17 had tried vaping, up from 15.8% in 2022. But bans and regulations can only go so far. The most powerful tool we have is open communication. 

Let's talk to our children about the dangers of vaping, just like we would about stranger danger or online safety. Schools also play a crucial role. Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) already teaches children about the risks of harmful substances, and the curriculum is being reviewed to potentially strengthen content around vaping. By giving our children the knowledge now, it might help to keep them away from harmful vapes in the future.

So, while vaping might not be a big issue in primary schools today, it's always good to stay in the loop and take action. By teaming up—parents, schools, and the government—we can make sure our kids grow up in a healthier world, today and tomorrow.
 

Matt Revill is a primary school headteacher with over 20 years experience of working in schools. He has worked in a range of settings and currently works within a multi-academy trust of 14 schools. In his free time, he enjoys reading, computing, holidaying and spending time with his family and friends. Matt has a son who is currently working his way through A-levels at college.