Bolton: Concerns raised over vaping 'crisis' at schools

A meeting of Bolton’s full council heard one high school has installed vape sensors to address the "crisis", with detectors bleeping "by the minute".

The revelations about vape use by children in school settings came during the maiden speech in the council chamber by Horwich and Blackrod First member Samantha Williamson.

She said: “In recent times, we have observed a concerning rise in the use of vape products among youngsters, leading to an increase in disruptive and anti-social behaviour within our schools.

“I’m particularly troubled that to learn that schools have resorted to installing sensors to detect vaping incidents within their premises.

"There are 13-year-old addicts unable to go one hour without a vape and vape sensors going off not just hourly but by the minute.

“This is increasingly alarming for schools and our educators who are not equipped to deal with 13-year-old addicts.

"As a responsible and caring community, we need to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth, and it is essential to address this issue effectively.

“I would appreciate information on the strategies and measures being implemented to combat the rise of vaping and its associated negative impacts on our young population.”

Cllr Samantha Williamson told the council of the vape 'crisis' in schools

Intended as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping has increased among young people.

In June, the House of Commons health and social care select committee heard evidence on the rising number of under-18s using e-cigarettes illegally.

Representatives of the UK vaping industry appeared before MPS.

The session examined options to restrict access to vapes such as banning or limiting products that appeal through flavours or bright colours and the use of marketing practices which attract children and young people.

Better enforcement of restrictions on sales to under 18s and pricing increases are also being considered.

Responding to Cllr Williamson’s question, cabinet member Linda Thomas said: “Bolton’s public health team are working with school settings to share messages to prevent vaping among children.

“The Risk Avert programme is to be rolled out in schools this autumn to survey young people about risk taking behaviour and to give additional local insight about who’s vaping.

“The insight form the survey will inform future interventions with young people and hopefully will include support for teachers.

“Public health and trading standards have developed more enforcement powers to focus on the illegal vape and tobacco trade.

“Test purchase operations are being carried out for underage sales.

“Trading standards are aware of a problem with non compliant vaping products being sold by rogue retailers in Bolton.

“The team have put in robust measure to combat this trade working with police.

“With this approach around 30,000 illegal vapes have been seized over two year period.

“We hope to severely disrupt the activities of traders whoa re targeting the youth market.”