Teacher Calls for Stricter Vaping Laws in the UK, Citing Australia’s Approach
A teacher has urged the UK to adopt stricter vaping laws, drawing inspiration from Australia’s recent legislation. In Australia, vapes will only be available through prescription under the new regulations.
Chris Shaw, a teacher and union secretary of UCAC, stated, “They as a country banned vapes for everybody except those on plans from their GPs, and that seems to be a sensible way forward.”
On Tuesday, the UK government announced its intention to close a loophole that allows shops to distribute free vape samples to children. In response, the Welsh government pledged to release a plan aimed at preventing vaping among children and young people.
First Minister Mark Drakeford expressed support for “tighter regulations” and acknowledged that Welsh ministers had previously missed an opportunity to implement such measures in 2016, emphasizing the need to avoid a similar failure.
The UK Vaping Industry Association emphasized that these products “are not designed for children” and expressed willingness to accept increased fines to prevent their sale to minors.
Australia recently introduced a range of new restrictions, including a ban on recreational vaping. The timeline for implementing these measures will be announced later.
This decision was prompted by a significant increase in vaping among teenagers in Australia in recent years, with authorities describing it as the “number one behavioural issue” in schools nationwide.
Mr. Shaw argued that these products, which contain nicotine, are intentionally designed to attract young people and foster addiction. He also expressed concerns that vape devices are being disguised as pens or USB sticks to evade detection, potentially targeting teachers.
Given the importance of health and well-being in the curriculum, Mr. Shaw emphasized the need for schools to receive support in regulating vaping.
His primary concern lies in the long-term health effects and, therefore, he advocates for much stricter regulations.
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He also noted the troubling trend of vape shops opening near schools, suggesting that these locations are deliberately chosen to target children.
Dr. Sinan Eccles, a consultant in respiratory medicine, has witnessed patients being admitted with severe respiratory issues caused by vaping, some of whom required intensive care and ventilation during recovery.
Symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing are commonly observed among vapers and those exposed to vapor secondhand.
Dr. Eccles expressed concern about the increasing number of young people turning to vaping, attributing it to marketing strategies and the availability of disposable vapes.