Helping with concerns about vaping and young people
In recent years there has been a steep increase in the prevalence of young people taking up vaping.
In Scotland children as young as 11 years old have said they have used vapes. By the time they are 15 years old, around a third of young people report having tried it. (1)
In response to this concern, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Health Improvement team has developed several resources relating to vaping and young people.
Vaping is the use of an electronic device to inhale vapour derived from a heated liquid. Vapes are not meant to be used by young people or adults who do not smoke. Vapes were created to help adults who smoke with cravings when they are trying to quit.
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive stimulant drug. Early exposure to nicotine can impact parts of the brain that control concentration levels, learning ability, mood and impulse control. Using nicotine in adolescence can increase young people’s risk of harm from other substances such as cannabis and cocaine.
A short video for parents and carers covers key messages relating to young people and vaping.
Sally Millar, Health Improvement Practitioner - Tobacco said: “The resources are aimed at parents, carers and staff who work with young people throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde. They provide up to date information on vapes and their use amongst young people, as well as giving people the information they need to confidently discuss the impacts of vaping with young people.
“The resources all cover key topics such as health harms, the impact of nicotine addiction, environmental harms, marketing, the law and signposting for further information and advice.”
Mairi Baker, Quality Improvement Officer, Glasgow City Council said: “Glasgow Education Services welcome and thank NHS Health Improvement colleagues for their work to create and design resources that can be used in the classroom to enhance learning and teaching around the multiple risk theme of vaping. These quality assured resources ensure that information shared with children and young people is responsive to the current local and national context.”
Resources include:
- Two lesson plans - one designed for P5-7 pupils and one designed for S1-3. These can be accessed via the GGC Health & Wellbeing App.
- A presentation video for parents and carers. This short video covers key messages relating to young people and vaping. The video can be accessed at NHSGGC - Young people and Vaping Presentation for Parents and Carers (Revised Aug 24)
- A parent and carer leaflet, available in electronic or paper format. Copies can be requested from the NW Health Improvement team by emailing quityourway.northwestglasgow@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
- A briefing paper for parents, carers and staff who work with young people. This is a NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) resource to provide the latest evidence and information about young people and vaping. Full and condensed versions can be found on the following websites: E-cigarettes – NHSGGC and Quit Your Way Youth – NHSGGC.
Awareness raising training for staff who work with young people is available to key staff groups across NHS including education and youth work staff. If you/your team/service is interested in attending or organising a dedicated session, please contact: quityourway.northwestglasgow@ggc.scot.nhs.uk