NHS figures for 2021 showed that 9% of 11-15 year old children used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018 (NHS Digital, 2022)
In response to this, Warwickshire County Council is working with schools and parents to encourage open conversations with young people about vaping, raising awareness of the risks associated with vaping and equipping them with the facts so they can make informed decisions.
What are vapes/e-cigarettes?
Vapes are battery operated devices that simulate the sensation of smoking, they are an effective tool in quitting smoking. They do not contain as many of the harmful ingredients as cigarettes so they are less harmful than cigarettes, but they do contain nicotine and they are not completely risk free.
It is recommended by the National Institute Centre of Excellence (NICE) that e-cigarettes should not be used by people who have never smoked.
Councillor Margaret Bell, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health has said:
“We know that the rate of young people vaping is increasing and we are working hard to support schools, parents and carers to work with young people and raise awareness of the associated risks.
“Although vaping has fewer risks than smoking, it is not risk free, and our message to everyone is: if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”
There are also risks associated with the small batteries used in vapes. It is important to keep the batteries out of reach of young children to avoid any accidental swallowing or choke hazards. Regularly inspect vape batteries and replace the battery immediately if it is damaged, leaking or malfunctioning.
All Warwickshire Household Waste Recycling Centres have recycling facilities for vapes and batteries. They should never be disposed of in general waste bins as this is a fire hazard.
You can find out more about vaping here:
To view the school toolkit, visit smoke and vape free schools.