Vaping

What is vaping?

Vaping is defined as 'the action of inhaling and exhaling vapour containing nicotine and flavouring created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device.'

Vaping is not completely harmless and is only recommended for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking and staying quit. NHS provides further information.

Why is it important to be aware of vaping in schools?

A 2023 survey by Action on Smoking and Health found that 20.5% of children aged 11 to 17 had tried vaping, up from 15.8% in 2022.

It's important for schools to be aware of vaping for several reasons including the risks to children and young people's health and the possible behavioural difficulties it can lead to at school which can risk poor outcomes for children and young people. A key reason that schools should be aware of vaping is so they can play a role in prevention:

Schools need to have clear policies in place to discourage vaping. This includes clear communication about the consequences of vaping.

Incorporating vaping education into the school curriculum can help children and young people make informed choices about vaping.

What does the law say?

As part of the statutory duty to promote children and young people's physical, mental health and emotional wellbeing, schools have a clear role to play in managing vapes as part of their pastoral responsibilities.

Schools also have a statutory duty to deliver health education on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

What support is available?

National

NICE guidelines: NICE guidelines recommends a coordinated whole school approach to smoking and vaping.

Smokefree Sheffield: With support from ASH, Smokefree Sheffield have developed a number of resources designed to support families and educators, including PSHE and safeguarding leads, to have evidence-based conversations and enable CYP to make informed decisions about smoking and vaping. 

Better Health: Better Health have developed new resource packs for schools on vaping.

Policy guidance:

See guidance on how to develop a vaping policy from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).
You can also find some more general guidance around drugs policies in the DfE and ACPO drug advice for schools.
This guidance from Public Health England outlines some key principles to guide policy development on page 7.

Further guidance:

Norfolk

Norfolk County Council have developed a toolkit for schools and settings focused on vaping. The aim of the toolkit is to provide guidance around a whole school or setting approach to preventing the risk of children and young people vaping as well as providing guidance on how to respond to a vaping incident including a step by step checklist which guides you on:

Discussing the incident with children and young people
Completing any searches
Example risk reduction plans
How to implement protective and educational consequences
How to refer on for further support if necessary
How to report illegal sales
How to report adverse reactions

NCC Inclusion Advisers: Our NCC Inclusion Advisers can support schools regarding individual children or young people with behaviours that challenge who are at risk of exclusion.

Key contacts

NCC Inclusion Advisers - If you have a child or young person at imminent risk of permanent exclusion, please contact our helpline: 01603 307736. Monday - Friday 9am-4.30pm. If the case is less urgent, please contact us by completing this referral form.