A teacher has raised concerns to MPs about the worrying increase in vaping among schoolchildren. Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West visited Westminster to provide evidence to the committee of MPs scrutinising the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The bill aims to ban the sale of tobacco and vaping products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, and includes measures to control the advertising of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products.
Speaking as chair of the Secondary Headteacher Reference Group, which advises ministers and officials on the potential impact of policies on secondary education, Mr Shanks emphasised that children who would not consider smoking are drawn to vaping because they perceive it as harmless and because vapes are readily available.
He stressed the need for action to prevent vapes from being marketed to children and to communicate to children that they are tools for adults to help them quit smoking.
Mr Shanks highlighted concerns about the ease with which children can access vapes and called for tougher penalties for businesses selling to underage customers. He also noted that the design and location of vape shops seem tailored to attract young people, suggesting a need for stricter regulations in this area.
The latest ‘smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England report for 2023’ reveals an increase in vaping among children, with statistics showing around a quarter of 11 to 15 year olds have tried it, and nearly one in ten (9%) are frequent users, reports Devon Live.
Shanks expressed his views on the matter, saying: “At Education South West our purpose is to educate children so they can live great lives. This education is not limited to the knowledge gained in the classroom but includes supporting young people to lead healthy lifestyles.”
“I was pleased to travel up to Westminster to present evidence on behalf of schools across the country about how vaping is affecting young people, their education and schools more broadly. Education South West are proud to take part in all initiatives that we can that will help make our society a safer and healthier place for everyone and I look forward to seeing this bill progress in Parliament.”