The rise of student vaping is one of the most urgent safeguarding challenges facing schools today. What began as a trend has rapidly evolved into a public health issue, with children as young as 11 getting hooked on high nicotine disposable vapes. The impact on behaviour, attendance and learning is undeniable — and schools are increasingly being left to manage the fallout.

But it is not a hopeless situation. Across the country, schools are successfully turning the tide by taking a firm, evidence led approach. At Vape Guardian, we work with hundreds of schools tackling this crisis head on. Here are seven proven steps that work.

1. Treat vaping as a safeguarding issue, not just a behaviour problem

Many schools still frame vaping primarily as a disciplinary matter. But we need to call it what it really is: a safeguarding concern. Students are not simply misbehaving - they are being targeted by a multi billion pound industry and hooked on a highly addictive substance.

Reframing the issue unlocks a whole school approach: wellbeing, PSHE, pastoral and SLT teams working together. It also opens doors to support pathways, not just punishments.

2. Educate early and do not stop

Vaping education needs to start before students first encounter it. For many, that means upper primary. By the time they are in Year 7, peer influence is already high and attitudes are harder to shift.

But education cannot be a one off assembly or a poster on the wall. Build it into PSHE schemes of work, reinforce it in tutor time and bring in real world stories and expert led sessions. The more visible and frequent, the better.

3. Use vape detection technology wisely

Installing vape sensors in toilets and changing areas can dramatically reduce on site usage — but only if part of a broader strategy. Vape Guardian systems, for example, are designed not only to detect vaping but to empower staff with real time alerts, incident logs and data trends.

But technology is not the whole answer. What matters is what happens after the alert - how you respond, support and follow up.

4. Create a clear and consistent consequences pathway

Inconsistency undermines credibility. If one student is let off with a warning while another gets excluded, you send mixed messages.

Work with your pastoral team to design a tiered response, starting with education and support, and escalating where needed. Make sure it is clearly communicated to staff, students and parents.

5. Engage parents - early and often

Parental awareness is low. Many simply do not realise how dangerous modern vapes are or how easy it is for children to access them. They often do not know what signs to look for or how to talk about it.

Run information evenings. Send home flyers. Share updates in your newsletter or school app. The more informed your parents are, the stronger your frontline of defence becomes.

6. Take control of your school toilets

Toilets are the epicentre of school vaping - and every student knows it. You do not need to go fully authoritarian, but you do need to review access, supervision and layout.

Schools that have reduced vaping often:

• Restrict access during lesson times

• Increase staff presence nearby

• Install vape detection systems

• Redesign toilets to remove hidden corners or communal cubicle areas

The goal is not to punish students — it is to make the environment less appealing for misuse.

7. Empower students to lead the change

Peer influence is powerful - so use it for good. Encourage student councils or health champions to lead anti vape campaigns. Give students a voice in shaping policy. Bring in ex vapers or young people affected by nicotine addiction to share their stories.

When students feel ownership over the issue, the culture starts to shift from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

Stopping vaping at school is hard - but not impossible. It takes a consistent, compassionate and joined up approach. Schools that get it right are not just punishing vaping. They are changing the culture that allows it to thrive.

At Vape Guardian, we are here to help. From cutting edge detection systems to staff training and strategic support, we work alongside schools to build safer, healthier learning environments.

If you are ready to take action, talk to us. Together, we can protect the next generation.