A Cumbrian addictions charity has called for vaping education to continue being a key part of the curriculum, following news of an upcoming ban on disposable vapes.

The proposed ban, which is part of government plans to tackle the rising number of young people starting to vape, is expected to be introduced next year. Restrictions will also be introduced to prevent vapes being marketed at children and stop underage sales. This follows alarming figures which show the number of children vaping has tripled in the last three years.

Staff at CADAS welcome the proposed ban, however believe it will not completely stop the problem of young people taking up vaping.

Leigh Williams, CEO of CADAS – Cumbria Addictions: Advice and Solutions, said: “It’s great news to hear about the banning of disposable vapes. However, teaching staff cannot take their foot off the gas as banning single-use vapes will not stop the tsunami of vaping among our young people in schools.

“Here at CADAS, we truly believe this is a major issue for our young people. We want schools to work in partnership with CADAS to build vaping education into their curriculum for the next decade to make real sustained change.”

Schools interested in specialist educational, age-appropriate sessions with CADAS are urged to contact Hollie Wainwright, the charity’s Schools Liaison Coordinator.

Hollie said: “We know that vaping is an issue, with many schools noticing and recognising this is a huge concern which they don’t know how to tackle.

“I am here to support schools across Cumbria to educate our precious young people about the harms of vaping and smoking, by delivering a programme of resources and presentations to schools to raise awareness.  We truly believe education is essential and with the support of schools, together we can help to make a difference.”

To find out more about our educational sessions for schools, please email holliew@cadas.co.uk or call 0300 111 4002.