How are schools in Derbyshire addressing the vaping problem?

Schools like Granville Academy are using a pilot project involving student-led educational sessions and assemblies, alongside vape detectors, to combat vaping.

What is the government's stance on vaping and tobacco?

The government has banned single-use vapes and plans to end their advertising and sponsorship, while also limiting flavors and packaging.

Is there a specific support service for young people to quit vaping in Derbyshire?

Derbyshire County Council is in the process of setting up a smoking and vaping cessation service specifically for young people, which is funded through local public health grants.

Home / Education / Schools Tackle Vaping With Student Power

Schools Tackle Vaping With Student Power

5 Feb

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Summary

Schools now use student-led education to combat vaping.
Vape detectors are installed as a common deterrent.
A new council project aims to create vape-free settings.

Schools Tackle Vaping With Student Power

Granville Academy in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, is implementing a new strategy to combat rising student vaping. Faced with ineffectiveness of traditional punitive measures, the school, alongside dozens of others in the county, is adopting a pilot project. This initiative, overseen by Derbyshire County Council since late last year, tasks students with leading educational efforts. Peer-to-peer classes and assemblies are now conducted, supported by signs highlighting health risks. Head teacher Gemma Lowe noted that detentions and even redesigned toilets failed to curb the issue, leading to the conclusion that punitive actions alone are insufficient. A recent BBC survey indicated that over half of secondary school teachers in England view vaping as a significant problem, with one-fifth installing vape detectors. The NASUWT teachers' union advocates for vapes to be a banned item, allowing school searches. Derbyshire County Council acknowledged the lack of accessible youth vaping cessation services, despite an estimated 3,000 pupils regularly vaping. The council is in the process of establishing a dedicated young people's cessation service, potentially school-based, offering 12 weeks of support. While the academy reports a reduction in vape use since the pilot began and acknowledges the government's ban on disposable vapes as helpful, a specific external support service is deemed crucial for a significant impact.