Schools are taking action to address the growing issue of vaping among students by relocating bike sheds and trimming hedges to prevent hidden vaping. Struggling schools are investing funds to make it harder for students to vape discreetly, with teachers in England facing challenges from addicted students resorting to using spiked e-cigarettes, leading to hospital visits.
To combat the rise in youth vaping, schools are implementing measures such as installing costly e-cig detectors that strain already tight budgets. A survey commissioned by the BBC revealed that vape detectors are now present in nearly a fifth of secondary schools, and additional staff are deployed to monitor grounds and deter vaping.
Head teacher Lisa McCall shared her experience at Wales High School, where confiscated vapes are displayed on her desk, emphasizing the need for collaboration with parents and authorities to address the issue effectively. Despite the school’s efforts, some parents remain unsupportive, viewing vaping as a preferable alternative to smoking.
Incidents involving spiked vapes have raised concerns about student safety, prompting schools to enhance security measures with detectors, metal-detector wands, and increased monitoring by staff. While these actions have reduced vaping incidents, educators feel that the focus on vaping detracts from their core mission of educating students.
Efforts to combat vaping include raising awareness among pupils about the dangers of vaping and advocating for clearer guidelines on how to handle the issue. Teachers’ unions are urging the government to provide funding for educational programs and empower schools to search students suspected of vaping.
The normalization of vaping among students is a worrying trend, according to education leaders, who are eagerly anticipating the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to address the issue. The legislation aims to restrict the marketing and sale of vapes to minors, aligning with the government’s commitment to curb youth vaping through education and legislation.