Glasgow councillor brands pupil vape use stats 'terrifying'
Councillor Pidgeon was advised that vaping among young people in Glasgow's schools had become a growing concern, with data showing 'a significant rise in usage' and this was linked to an increase in disposable vape use.
At the beginning of June, the UK government banned the sale of disposable vapes which applies to all single-use or disposable vapes regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
It means that businesses can no longer sell either online or in-store.
Speaking about the issue, Councillor Christina Cannon, convenor for education and early years, said: 'Between 2018 and 2022, the percentage of 15-year-olds reporting vape use in the past 30 days jumped from 7% to 25%.
'This increase is closely linked to the rise of disposable vapes and the impact of the Covid pandemic. Alarmingly, the use of disposable vapes among 11 to 17-year-olds in Great Britain has surged from 7.8% in 2020 to 69% in 2023.
'Nicotine use at a young age can negatively affect brain development impacting learning, mood, concentration and self control. It also increases the risk of long-term addiction.
'In response, Glasgow's education services are working closely with the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and NHS health improvement to deliver targeted education across all of our schools.
'We recognise that schools can't tackle this issue alone and we remain committed to working with key partners to develop a coordinated and effective response.'
READ MORE: Glaswegians urged to help tackle illegal vape sales
Councillor Pidgeon described the latest figures as 'terrifying'.
She said: 'Would the convenor agree that there should be a focus on the Scottish Parliament to look into this in a similar way that the UK government has done with their tobacco and vape bills as a priority.'
Councillor Cannon advised that she was committed to working with all partners and both governments to try and tackle the issue.
She added: 'This is something that young people have raised with me directly in my visits to schools. Our young people are really keen on taking a lead on how we best communicate with them on how to quit vaping.
'I am more than committed to working with various partners, both governments and the young people to help them take this leadership in their schools as well.'
Questions were then asked as to what steps were being taken to protect young people in schools who were not vaping but being subjected to vaping.
Councillor Jill Brown said: 'We have examples of where young people are vaping in bathrooms which often don't have a huge amount of ventilation in them, then other children and young people who don't vape are having to go into those environments.'
Councillor Cannon responded: 'I think the support has to go towards the young people who are vaping. I am aware of the toilet issue as well and our head teachers are very well aware of that.
'It's about finding the balanced approach of not punishing a whole school for a small number of pupils undertaking vaping particularly indoors and within the school building as well.
'I am happy to work with you to see what individual approach we can tailor to each school.'
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