Warwickshire authorities urge young people not to vape

Authorities in Warwickshire, UK, are urging young people not to use vaping devices, after data showed that the proportion of teenagers using them has risen to 9%.

In a recent report, local UK media outlet LeamingtonOBServer said that the use of vaping devices among children and young people has increased in recent years, and young people in Warwickshire are being urged not to vape. 

According to 2021 data from the UK National Health Service (NHS), the proportion of 11- to 15-year-olds using vaping devices rose from 6% in 2018 to 9%. In response, Warwickshire County Council is working with schools and parents to encourage open conversations with young people about vaping, raise awareness of the risks, and help them understand the facts so they can make informed decisions. 

The National Centre of Excellence advises that people who have never smoked should not use vaping devices. In addition, Warwickshire County Council has introduced an educational toolkit for schools, providing a range of information, resources, and age-appropriate lesson plans about vaping. 

Warwickshire’s public health team is also working closely with schools to provide advice and support on any information and policies they plan to introduce. 

County health spokesperson Margaret Bell said:

“We know that the rate of vaping among young people is increasing, and we are working hard to support schools, parents, and caregivers in engaging with young people and raising awareness of the risks of vaping. While vaping carries fewer risks, it is not risk-free. So our message to everyone is: if you do not smoke, do not vape.”