A teenage girl, Holly, who began vaping at the age of 12, has shared her struggles with addiction as new research reveals alarming statistics. One in seven children have been caught vaping, with half of those being under 11 years old. Parents have reported their children obtaining vapes from friends, family members, online purchases, or using fake IDs to buy them. Despite efforts by schools to educate students about the risks, vaping remains a prevalent issue.
Nicky Bowman, a mother of three, recounted her daughter’s addiction, highlighting the challenges of monitoring vaping due to its discreet nature. Holly expressed regret over starting vaping, attributing it to a desire to feel grown up and peer pressure. Now struggling to quit after five years, she emphasised the financial and health toll of addiction.
Parents are largely supportive of government initiatives to regulate tobacco and vaping sales, but many call for more robust public awareness campaigns. Healthcare professionals warn of the dangers of prolonged vaping among young people, urging urgent action to restrict access. Colin Stitt from Ineqe Safeguarding Group emphasised the need for strong measures to safeguard children from vaping’s health risks.
Vaping in schools poses additional challenges, with educators urged to educate students on the associated risks and safe disposal of devices. Zurich Municipal’s Amy Brettell underscored the importance of teachers’ role in addressing vaping issues. Parents and teachers seeking guidance can turn to safeguarding experts for advice on observing behaviours, engaging in open conversations, and seeking professional help when needed.
The impact of vaping extends beyond health concerns, with social implications such as addiction and fire hazards. Urgent measures are being called for to address the growing trend of youth vaping. As the government and educators take steps to tackle the issue, the importance of open dialogue and education on the dangers of vaping is paramount for safeguarding young people.