Teachers are raising concerns about students vaping in class and the negative impact it has on their focus and behavior. According to a survey by the NASUWT teaching union, many educators believe vaping is still a significant issue in schools, with pupils often leaving lessons to vape or gathering in toilets during the school day.
The findings come as the UK Parliament considers the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which includes measures to address vaping among children. The bill aims to tighten regulations on the sale and use of vaping products by minors.
Sharron Daly, a secondary school teacher with 30 years of experience and a NASUWT representative, explained that vaping devices are harder to regulate than traditional cigarettes. She noted that vapes are often designed to resemble everyday items, such as lip gloss or highlighters, making them difficult to spot. Pupils also tend to use fruity scents like blueberry bubble gum, which mask the smell of tobacco.
Daly said some students struggle to concentrate because they are craving nicotine, leading to agitation and even confrontations in class. While less common, she added that some colleagues have reported incidents of students vaping during lessons, with one such case happening just weeks ago. “If students can’t concentrate, they can’t learn,” she said. “It has a negative impact on both behavior and academic performance.”
Of the 477 NASUWT survey respondents in Wales, nearly three-quarters said vaping remained an issue in their schools. A majority also reported that the problem had worsened over the past year. Many teachers expressed concern that current school policies on behavior were not effective in tackling vaping.
Respondents highlighted several common issues, including students vaping in toilets, leaving class to vape, and vaping during breaks. Teachers also reported damage to school plumbing from students flushing vapes down toilets. Some even noted that parents were purchasing vapes for their children, with a few going as far as to deliver vapes to their children at school.
The NASUWT is calling for stronger regulations and increased support for schools to combat the growing problem.
Meanwhile, the Welsh government has expressed support for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, stating that it would help reduce vaping among young people. According to official data, 7% of children aged 11 to 16 in Wales vape weekly, with the percentage rising to 15.9% among 15 to 16-year-olds in year 11.
It is illegal to sell nicotine-containing vapes to anyone under the age of 18, but the Welsh government is pushing for further restrictions. These include limiting packaging options, banning certain flavors, and controlling where vaping products are displayed.
“We’ve worked with Public Health Wales to create guidance on vaping for teachers, parents, and caregivers to help address this issue,” a spokesperson said.
In addition to these measures, a ban on single-use vapes is set to be implemented in June 2025.
