Vaping: Schools want help in 'lonely battle'
Schools in England are struggling to combat youth vaping, facing challenges like addicted students and financial strain, and are calling for government support.Summary
Schools across England are experiencing a surge in vaping among students, describing it as a “public health emergency” and a “lonely battle.” Teachers report students hiding in toilets to vape, incidents of students being offered spiked vapes, and significant financial costs associated with detectors and increased supervision. A BBC survey revealed that nearly a fifth of schools have installed vape detectors, and 35% have deployed extra staff to monitor grounds. Schools are implementing measures like altering grounds to eliminate hiding spots, but these are seen as distractions from education. Teachers and unions are urging the government to fund school-based education programs, provide clear guidance, and add vapes to the list of banned items. Concerns are rising about nicotine addiction, with children being nine times more likely to vape than adults, and the long-term health effects remain largely unknown. While the government states it is taking action through new legislation and curriculum changes, schools emphasize the need for broader support from parents, communities, and legislation to effectively address the issue.
(Source：BBC News)
