Children and young adults who vape have become more prevalent in recent years.
According to NHS data for 2021, 9% of youngsters aged 11 to 15 used e-cigarettes, up from 6% in 2018 (NHS Digital, 2022).
As a result, Warwickshire County Council is collaborating with parents, schools, and other organisations to promote candid discussions about vaping among youth, educating them about the risks involved, and providing them with the information they need to make wise decisions.
Vapes are battery-powered gadgets that mimic the feeling of smoking and are a useful tool for quitting smoking. Vapes aren’t risk-free; they contain nicotine. Individuals who have never smoked are advised by the National Institute Centre of Excellence (NICE) not to use e-cigarettes.
In order to assist educators, the council has produced an education toolkit that offers a variety of materials, lesson ideas, and age-appropriate information regarding vaping to students in classrooms. The toolkit compiles local and national information into a format that is simple to use for educators. In addition, the Warwickshire Public Health team is actively collaborating with schools to provide guidance and assistance for any new policies and information they may like to implement.
The tiny batteries used in vapes are also linked to risks. It’s crucial to keep the batteries out of young children’s reach to prevent any ingesting accidents or choking concerns. Examine vape batteries on a regular basis, and replace any damaged or malfunctioning batteries right away.
Every Warwickshire Household Waste Recycling centre has the ability to recycle batteries and vape pens. Batteries and vape pens should never be thrown in regular trash cans since they represent a fire risk. Instead, recycle.
In case any of the issues described in this article are affecting you, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we will see what we can do to assist you.