Commenting on new survey data published today by the Children's Commissioner looking at vaping under-age and in schools, that calls for a ban on marketing vapes to children, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“It is worrying how vaping is becoming normalised for some young people.

“Our members have reported having to deal with incidents of vaping on school grounds and in school buildings. They are concerned about how accessible vapes seems to be to young people, as well as the safety of vapes being used and how easily they can be concealed by pupils. The equipment is easily bought and can be very small and easily hidden.

“We would support the key recommendations from this report regarding safeguarding children and young people; vapes were intended to be a tool to help people give up smoking, not to become a new addiction. Vaping also needs to be included in the RSHE curriculum – a simple addition to health education under 'drugs, alcohol and tobacco' to include reference to vaping in the primary and secondary content.

“The law is clear that you must be at least 18 years old to use and purchase vaping products. The government must do more to ensure everyone, including parents, carers and pupils, have absolute clarity on the legal position and potential consequences of breaking the law.

“Schools need to be supported to deal with incidents which do occur. But more must be done to prevent under 18s getting vaping products in the first place, whether they are buying them themselves or getting adults to purchase them on their behalf. The responsibility of retailers not to market or sell these products for use by under 18s is therefore critical.”