Schoolchildren to be taught dangers of vaping

A survey of schoolchildren found a growing number of 11 to 18 year olds have used vaping products

Twelve and 13 year olds in Plymouth are to be taught about the dangers of vaping as part of a campaign to stop children using them.

The city council said it was concerned about a rise in vaping and possible health risks, especially as other substances could be added to vapes.

Nationally, nearly 8% of 11-17 year olds vape, according to figures from an online survey of 2,000 children by health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health). That is up from 4% in 2020.

The legal age for buying vapes is 18.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council has set up a vaping working group and allocated additional funding for two full-time members of staff to work with the Youth Service and Young People’s Treatment Service.

Plymouth City Council Trading Standards’ team provides advice and uses teenagers to try to buy age-restricted products in shops to test whether they are complying with the law.

The team also tests the quality and safety of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

Plymouth councillor Terri Beer describes businesses that sell vapes as being "similar to sweet shops"

Plymouth councillor Terri Beer said vape shops were "like walking into a sweet shop with all the flavours and colours".

"Hopefully we will get a clearer picture of the impact vapes are having, not just on children, but on adults as well."

She added: "I want to make sure that everyone in Plymouth is healthy."