In recent years, the decline in cigarette smoking has been a positive development in public health, with the UK government aiming to reduce the smoking population to less than 5% by 2030. However, this decline has been accompanied by the rise of vaping and e-cigarette use, particularly among secondary school aged children, leading to growing concerns over the potential medical risks associated with early vaping initiation.

The appeal of vaping to teenagers lies in its marketing and product design. While initially positioned as a smoking cessation tool, the attractive packaging and a wide array of sweet flavours have made vaping an enticing trend among young individuals. Dr. Max Davie from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has voiced the need to address this issue, stating that "vaping is far from risk-free and may be addictive," emphasising the urgency to deter children and teenagers from picking up these products. Calls for plain packaging and tighter marketing regulations have echoed across the medical community.

Startling statistics from a report by the BBC highlight the magnitude of the problem. The survey conducted by health charity ASH indicates that nearly one-third of 16 and 17-year-olds have tried vaping, with 14% currently using these products. Among 11-17-year-olds, the number of vapers has risen from 4% in 2020 to 7%. Disturbingly, illegal and unregulated vaping products are being sold online and in physical stores, prompting an increase in complaints to Trading Standards over illicit vapes and sales to children.

To counter this alarming trend, the UK has implemented regulations on vaping products to ensure user safety. These include limits on the number of puffs (600 puffs), the maximum nicotine strength (20mg/ml), tank size (2ml), and refill bottle volume (10ml). Certain ingredients like caffeine and taurine are also banned in vaping products. Products exceeding these limitations are considered illegal in the UK and pose potential safety risks.

Schools are facing the brunt of this issue, with half of the teachers surveyed reporting catching a student vaping on school premises in the past year, and shockingly, one in five teachers even caught pupils as young as 11 engaging in vaping. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, commonly used by teenagers, have been criticised for glamorising vaping, which can influence impressionable young minds.

In response, the Department of Health emphasises that vapes should only be used as a quitting aid for smokers and strictly discourages non-smokers and children from using them altogether. Proportionate regulations have been enacted, addressing product safety, labelling, and advertising restrictions. Schools have been given the authority to confiscate vapes and implement bans on their premises.

Looking ahead, the government is set to publish a report on vaping among young people and adults in England, which is expected to shed more light on the issue and potentially introduce additional regulations regarding the production and sale of vaping products.

Addressing this concerning trend requires a multi-pronged approach. Teachers must be vigilant in identifying students who are vaping and initiate open dialogues with them about the health risks associated with these products. Raising awareness about the dangers of vaping and its addictive nature can dissuade students from taking up the habit. Schools can also collaborate with parents and healthcare professionals to create educational programs that emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding harmful substances.

In conclusion, vaping has emerged as a growing issue among secondary school aged children, fuelled by enticing marketing and sweet flavours. The medical risks associated with early vaping initiation are a cause for concern, and teachers play a pivotal role in addressing and discouraging this behaviour among their students. Through collaboration with parents, healthcare professionals, and the implementation of appropriate regulations, society can work towards safeguarding the well-being of the younger generation and steering them away from the potential pitfalls of vaping.