A group of teenagers in Skipton have launched a campaign to tackle the harmful rise of vaping in schools.
Recent figures revealed around one in three children aged 13 to 15 have at least tried vaping in North Yorkshire, despite the sale of vapes being illegal to under 18s in the same way that the sale of tobacco is.
Members of Skipton Youth Council, a community organisation for young people backed by North Yorkshire Council, want to stop the damage vapes are doing to their friends’ health.
Youth council chair James Neill told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that unlike cigarettes, many young people don’t realise the health risks involved.
Although vapes don’t contain deadly tar associated with cigarettes, scientists say nicotine exposure can harm developing brains and lead to cognitive deficits, memory damage and poor sleep.
James said:
“Many people think it’s like a sweet with 2,000 flavours, or it’s a cool thing you can do. There’s a lot of peer pressure.”
He said during his time at school vaping increased dramatically, with lots of children vaping in toilets or outside as they were going to and from school.
Some have pointed to the Covid pandemic as a turning point in the rise of vapes with children having nothing better to do when bored at home during lockdown.
Teachers have also suggested that as children have come out of the pandemic, they have turned to vapes as a safety blanket of sorts as they deal with anxiety.
James said the youth council has undertaken surveys and identified underage vaping in Skipton as a major problem.
They have formulated a campaign that includes working with trading standards, writing newsletters to parents, petitioning the government and raising awareness within schools.
The youth council also hopes to raise around £6,000 to install 30 vape alarms at local schools and colleges.
James described the alarms as an effective way of deterring usage inside school. He said: “They’re a bit like a smoke alarm but are more sophisticated. When vaping has been detected, it sends an alarm to reception so staff can go there.”
James said it’s crucial that more is done to raise awareness about the harm vaping can do to young minds and bodies.
He added:
“I’ve never seen someone smoke cigarettes at school, it’s much more about vaping. The NHS has pushed vaping as a better alternative, that’s the heart of the issue and young people have taken it the wrong way.”
Appeal launched after MBE medal stolen from founder of children's charity
Council appeal for help with riverbank erosion
Police crackdown amid fears of "nut jobs" riding dangerously on e-bikes and e-scooters
Dozens attend meeting amid anger over school transport policy change
New pizza restaurant and bar opens in Skipton
Embsay pub raise over £400 for children's charity
Silsden gym owner raises £7,370 for Breast Care Unit at Airedale Hospital
Reasons behind the inevitability of above-inflation council tax rise at North Yorkshire Council
Local estate agent celebrates 5 years of platinum rated service
Skipton Boat Trips win Business of the Year at Marine awards
Skipton boxing club organiser to walk 127 miles for sports charity
Share Skipton announce new opening date
Skipton business management company nominated for two Yorkshire Choice Awards
Plug pulled on toilet fee usage plan
Applications open for Skipton Gala King/Queen
Addingham café opens with new team at the helm
Addingham Pre-School awarded 'STRONG STANDARD' rating by OFSTED
Lifesaving bleed kit to be installed in Skipton
Man suffers serious facial injuries following attack in Skipton
Skipton Hotel to host first ever Drag bottomless brunch
