Dear Parents/ Carers,
You will have probably noticed that more and more people in society have started to use vaping devices. This increase in usage is also seen in young people, especially teenagers and young adults. Recent research shows that 1 in 5 15year olds in the UK regularly use a vaping device as well as 65% of all vape use is among children aged 11 – 17.
Below is taken from the NHS website for parents about the issues around young people and vaping:
Facts to tell young people about vaping:
- Vaping exposes users to some toxins, and we do not yet know what the risks might be in the longer term.
- Most vapes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that can be hard to stop using once you have started.
- Nicotine is more risky for young people than for adults, as evidence suggests the developing brain is more sensitive to its addictive effects.
- In the UK, it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to under-18s or for adults to buy them on their behalf.
- Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal and do not meet UK safety regulations. They can contain high levels of harmful substances.
In addition to the above concerns there is also the uncertainty about what the long-term health effects can be for young people who start vaping. Nicotine is known to have a much more dramatic effect on the brains of young people, with more young people becoming addicted to nicotine. Some vapes have been recorded as having the same amount of nicotine in one use equivalent to 10 cigarettes. There is also the increased worry around unregulated vapes that are easy to buy. Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:
- ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
- flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease.
- volatile organic compounds.
- heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.
If you have concerns that your child might be using a vape and would like further guidance and support, I have included with this letter a Parental Guide to Vaping and Young People. It gives further details about the problems. Please click on the link for the Parental Guide – https://erdingtonacademy.bham.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Vaping-A-parents-guide.pdf .
Yours sincerely
J Halstead
Assistant Principal
