West Yorkshire Police has issued a stark warning to parents and teachers about the dangers of vaping, particularly for primary school-aged children. Alarmingly, some children as young as seven are using vapes, with reports of hospitalisations due to vaping-related health problems.
A Growing Concern: Hospitalisations Linked to Vaping
Nationally, medics treated 365 patients in 2023 for vaping-related health issues, including 50 children, with 11 of them under the age of five. West Yorkshire has seen cases of young children requiring hospitalisation after becoming very unwell from using vapes.
What Makes Vapes Dangerous?
- High Nicotine Levels: Many vapes targeted at children contain dangerously high nicotine levels, making them highly addictive.
- Illegal Substances: Some products are laced with illegal drugs or harmful chemicals.
- Unregulated Products: Disposable vapes with over 2% nicotine or more than 600 puffs are illegal and unregulated.
Shocking Health Risks for Children
For some children, even a single puff from a potent vape can lead to severe illness. In extreme cases, children have been hospitalised after using vapes containing substances like THC, cannabis, or synthetic drugs such as spice.
How Parents Can Help Protect Their Children
West Yorkshire Police is urging parents to take action by sharing the following advice:
- Don’t Start Vaping: Explain the risks and dangers to your children.
- Cut Down and Stop: If your child already vapes, encourage them to gradually reduce use with the goal of quitting.
- Avoid Illegal Products: Do not use vapes with more than 2% nicotine, more than 600 puffs, or any containing THC or other illegal substances.
- Seek Help When Unwell: If a child feels unwell after vaping, seek medical advice immediately.
Raising Awareness in Schools and Homes
West Yorkshire Police is working with schools to provide education on the dangers of vaping and training for teachers. They are also conducting regular testing of vapes suspected of containing harmful substances.
A Community Effort to Keep Children Safe
The Force’s primary aim is to safeguard children and prevent further hospitalisations or serious health consequences from vaping. By raising awareness and offering practical advice, parents and schools can play a vital role in protecting young people from this worrying trend.
Together, we can ensure a safer future for the children of West Yorkshire.
If you are having any of the issues mentioned in this article, please reach out to us, and we will do our best to assist you.