New data from NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union suggests that vaping continues to be a problem in schools, with 54.4% of teachers reporting that pupil vaping is a factor in issues of school safety and behaviour. The data comes as the third reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill takes place in Parliament.
More than 5000 teachers from across the UK responded to the survey, which has produced data suggesting that:
- 52% of teachers have observed an increase in vaping among pupils over the past year.
- 62% of teachers state that students frequently leave lessons to vape.
- 39% of teachers report that nicotine addiction affects students’ concentration in class.
- Some children as young as 10 years old have been reported using vapes regularly.
- 17% of teachers stated that students vape in the lesson itself.
- 71% of respondents reported that pupils vape at break times, while 8 in 10 (81%) reported students gather in the toilets to vape throughout the school day.
- 40% of respondents said that pupils are misusing snus and nicotine pouches in school.
Vaping is also a significant cause of damage to school buildings and property, with pupils hiding vapes causing damage to ceiling tiles and pupils flushing vapes causing expensive plumbing issues.
Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, said:
“The government’s plans to ban disposable vapes and enact age restrictions for vape purchase are urgently needed to uphold public health.
“It is clear that our children and young people are vulnerable to predatory marketing practices from vape manufacturers. We must also see further action on vape packaging, flavor restriction, and strict retail license penalties for non-compliance.
“In an age rife with misinformation, schools need support and resources to make sure pupils fully understand the dangers of tobacco and nicotine. NASUWT is calling for the government to fund school-based programs to prevent youth vaping, and to provide clear guidance for schools on addressing vaping-related issues.”
