Mar 27 2025
Teachers have reported that students are having difficulty concentrating in class due to nicotine effects, with some even vaping during lessons. A recent survey conducted by the NASUWT teaching union indicates that a significant number of respondents believe vaping remains a prevalent issue in their schools.
Teachers noted that students often gather in toilets to vape and leave classes frequently for this purpose. Sharron Daly, a teacher with 30 years of experience, emphasized that vapes are more challenging to monitor compared to traditional cigarettes, as they are often designed to look like everyday items such as lip gloss.
Daly further pointed out that the inability to get their nicotine fix can lead to agitation among students, negatively affecting their behavior and academic performance. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of the 477 respondents indicated that vaping has been an increasing problem, with specific concerns regarding schools’ behavior policies not being effective.
Teachers also reported that the act of flushing vapes has caused significant damage to school toilets and plumbing systems. Some parents are reportedly purchasing vapes for their children or even supplying them during school hours.
The NASUWT is advocating for stricter regulations to help schools manage this issue. The UK Parliament is currently considering the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to address vaping among children. Data from the Welsh government indicates that 7% of youth aged 11 to 16 in Wales vape weekly, with the rate reaching 15.9% among 15 to 16-year-olds in year 11.
Current laws prohibit the sale of nicotine-containing vaping products to those under 18, but the proposed legislation intends to tighten restrictions on packaging, flavors, and product displays. Additionally, a ban on single-use vapes is scheduled to take effect in June 2025.
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