The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for a ban on smoking and vaping in schools to protect young people.
This week, they released two new publications – Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools and Nicotine- and tobacco-free school toolkit.
The new guide and toolkit are step by step manuals for schools to create nicotine- and tobacco-free campuses, arguing for a ‘whole of school’ approach that includes teachers, staff, students and parents.
The guide calls for a ban of nicotine and tobacco products on school campuses. Other suggestions include:
- Prohibiting the sale of nicotine and tobacco products near schools
- Banning direct and indirect ads and promotion of nicotine and tobacco products near schools
- Refusing sponsorship or engagement with tobacco and nicotine industries.
‘Whether sitting in class, playing games outside or waiting at the school bus stop, we must protect young people from deadly second-hand smoke and toxic e-cigarette emissions as well as ads promoting these products,’ said Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO director of health promotion.
Fears over health risks
In the UK, government ministers are said to be preparing a ban on disposable vapes as concerns grow over the number of young people who use them.
The reports of plans to stop the sale of disposable vapes come as fears grow about their health risks and environmental impact.
The Guardian revealed that five million single-use vapes are being thrown away in the UK every week, marking a fourfold increase on 2022.
In addition, campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) report that the proportion of 11 to 17 year olds who say they have tried vaping has increased from 13.9% in 2020 and 15.8% in 2022 to 20.5% in their survey this year.
The Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘We are concerned about the rise in youth vaping and the environmental impacts of disposable vapes.
‘That is why we launched a call for evidence to identify opportunities to reduce the number of children accessing and using vaping products – and explore where the government can go further. We will set out our response in due course.’
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