1st December 2023
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
THE DANGERS OF VAPING Recent figures suggest that the number of children who smoke is continuing to decline. However, there has been an increase in the number of children and young people who are currently using vapes and e-cigarettes. In the UK, the proportion of 11 to 17-year-olds that are currently vaping has increased from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2022. Although this is a cause for concern, it’s worth noting that 92% of under 18s who have never smoked have also never vaped, and only 2% have vaped more frequently than once or twice. Most youth vaping is experimental and many young people who vape have already tried smoking. Vapes and vaping products which contain nicotine are age restricted and shouldn’t be sold to or bought by adults for under 18s. They are banned in school and learners in possession of them or caught using them will receive consequences. Vaping in schools is a national issue, and one that is difficult to crack. It is happening in schools across the country. It often takes place in toilets and is approached in the same way as smoking behind the bike sheds would have been when parents were at school. At Honywood, our approach to behaviour and access to toilets is designed to minimise the risks this issue poses. It is not something we ever tolerate. In addition, it has recently been brought to our attention that it is possible for children to get hold of vapes that are filled with liquid cannabis (THC) - a sticky thick yellowy brown liquid. It could be that they are getting vapes prefilled or are illegally accessing THC and filling it themselves. This sort of behaviour is often connected to county lines - a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas [within the UK], using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. They are likely to exploit children and vulnerable adults to
move [and store] the drugs and money and they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons. Obviously this is a situation of grave concern as the risks to learners are much increased. Even more worrying is that we have been made aware that some Honywood learners have been able to access and use this substance. Keeping our community free of drugs is of the highest importance and I must stress that the use of or possession of any illegal substance in school is never tolerated and will result in a permanent exclusion. Our community is important and anyone that jeopardises the safety of our learners will not be welcome. Vaping THC will have similar effects to using cannabis and it provides a much stronger dose than smoking it because it is inhaled so quickly. It is likely to result in what would be classed as an overdose. Taken in such quantities in a short space of time can have unpredictable effects and could lead to a medical emergency. A common practice of vape use with young people is to share the vape. Again, this comes with increased risk when using THC as there is no way of knowing how someone else would react. In such an instance the person doing the sharing would be responsible for any adverse reaction. The short term effects listed below can be signs your child has vaped THC oil. •
Blood shot eyes Dazed/dreamy demeanour
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Short term memory loss Faint/feeling sick
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The giggles
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The munchies
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Dry mouth
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Paranoia
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Anxiety