Vaping in Cheshire East Schools: A Growing Concern
Students Using Nicotine and Other Drugs
Children in Cheshire East schools are not just vaping nicotine but also other harmful substances, according to education officials.
Headteachers Sound the Alarm
Claire Williamson, head of education, raised concerns at the Health and Welfare Board. She stated that vaping in schools has become one of the biggest worries among headteachers.
“We are very worried about the amount of vaping going on in schools,” Mrs Williamson told the meeting.
A Widespread Issue
The Safeguarding Education Board has identified vaping as a major concern, with reports that some vapes contain drugs beyond nicotine.
Mrs Williamson stressed that she wants to work with public health officials to keep the issue a priority.
Efforts to Tackle Smoking and Vaping
During the meeting, discussions were held about smoking cessation programmes. Pregnant women’s friends and family can receive up to £200 in vouchers to help them quit smoking due to the risks of passive smoke exposure.
Councillor Jill Rhodes (Crewe, Lab) asked whether a similar scheme could be introduced for young vapers.
Lack of Vaping Cessation Services
Guy Kilminster, responsible for health improvement, admitted that there is currently no dedicated service to help people quit vaping.
The Risks of Vaping
Although vaping is often marketed as safer than smoking, it still poses serious health risks.
“We don’t yet have proof that vaping indoors causes harm like passive smoking, but if that evidence emerges, we must take action,” Kilminster warned.
What Needs to Happen Next?
Authorities are being urged to:
- Increase regulation of vapes in schools
- Expand public health initiatives to tackle vaping among young people
- Raise awareness about hidden substances in vapes
With vaping rates rising among students, urgent action is needed to protect young people from its unknown long-term effects.
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