PPP Launches Vaping Education and Enforcement Campaign
The Public Protection Partnership launches a ‘vaping’ campaign this week across Bracknell Forest, West Berkshire and Wokingham.
Statistics demonstrate that vaping is on the increase with teenagers, 9% of 11-15 year olds currently using e-cigarettes an increase from 6% in 2018. (Source: NHS Digital) In most cases this is with children who have never smoked, but are taking up vaping. There is a rising concern with the partnership local authorities and health professionals as to the longer term impact this may be having.
Cllr Tom Marino, Chairman of Joint Public Protection Committee says, “The issue of vaping and young people is a developing problem and in recent times, we have seized a number of illegal products that we have found at retailers. This campaign is a good example of the problem solving approach adopted by the shared Public Protection Service, and we are looking at the issue from all angles and adapting a strategy to address all aspects.”
Caroline Stevenson, Senior Officer for Crime Prevention and Health says “Vaping is a useful tool when trying to quit smoking cigarettes, however our concern is the ongoing trend of young people taking up vaping who have never smoked.”
The key messages of the campaign are:
- Raise awareness with retailers as to the legal aspects of selling vape products, under age sales and legal limits of vapes allowed for sale in UK. Visits and an on-line retailers pack.
- Raise awareness with the public regarding the legal limits of vapes which are allowed in UK, no. of puffs etc.
- Enforcement of retailers regarding under age sales and illegal vaping products available for sale.
- Raise awareness amongst young people regarding the potential dangers of vaping, unknown contents/strength, nicotine addiction, inhaling ‘foreign body’ into lungs.
- Training for school staff on how to deal with their student’s vaping.
- Raise awareness regarding safety and environmental concerns of vaping. Disposing of vapes (lithium batteries), the potential fire risk regarding battery disposal and charging. In partnership with waste teams and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.
The community team will be visiting schools across the areas to discuss with secondary school children the potential dangers of vaping. This is part of their ongoing health work in the community.
The PPP Trading Standards teams, will be conducting a number of visits to retailers to check for under age sales and illegal vaping products. As well as enforcement our Trading Standards team will write to vape sellers to advising them on the legal requirements on vaping products.
Alongside the above community work there will be an on-going social media campaign, training for school staff and educational resources on the Public Protection Partnership website.
For more information and to see the resources available visit our website here.
