Smoking or vaping is not permitted by students at our school, whether that is cigarettes or e-cigarettes (also known as vapes). Our current policy states:
"Students are forbidden to bring cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters or matches on to the school premises. Students are also forbidden to smoke on the way to or from school, or on school visits. If found smoking or found in the possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco or matches, students will have those items confiscated in the first instance and parents/carers will be contacted."
The current UK law states it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy cigarettes or e-cigarettes. If a young person under the age of 16 is found in possession of these items by a police officer, then the police officer can confiscate them.
Kent County Council has produced a useful video which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEdl2FW7bWE
The National Online Safety programme has produced a leafelt on the dangers of vaping for parents and carers:
If further help or support is needed:
Contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at https://www.childine.org.uk
Need help in quitting vaping? Contact https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping
