Title: One In Five Youngsters In Gwent Have Tried Vaping, Survey Finds

Vaping Among Youngsters in Gwent: A Growing Concern

In a recent survey conducted by the School Health Research Network, it has been revealed that one in five youngsters between the ages of 11 and 16 in Gwent have experimented with vaping. This discovery has raised concerns among public health officials about the increasing trend of young people using e-cigarettes.

Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, the Director for Public Health at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, expressed her worry about the alarming rise in young people vaping in Gwent. While acknowledging that some individuals may utilize vaping as a means to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, Prof Daszkiewicz emphasized that many e-cigarettes still contain highly addictive nicotine and other chemical substances.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s consultant lead for early years, children, and young people, Eryl Powell, highlights that it is crucial to remind the public that vaping is not harmless. Short-term effects such as coughing, dizziness, sore throats, and headaches have been reported, and the long-term consequences are still unknown.

In response to this growing concern, the health board’s public health team has developed guidance aimed at assisting schools and colleges in becoming smoke-free environments. This comprehensive document provides educational institutions with the most up-to-date information to adopt a whole-school approach towards achieving a smoke-free status. It includes measures that schools can implement regarding vaping, as well as advice to be shared with parents and the community.

Furthermore, Ms. Powell emphasizes the importance of reporting any retailers in the community selling tobacco products or e-cigarettes to children under the age of 18 to Trading Standards. Selling e-cigarettes to minors is illegal, and it is crucial for the community to take action against such violations for the well-being of young individuals. Reports can be submitted through the NO IFS. NO BUTTS website provided by Trading Standards.

As vaping continues to gain popularity among young people in Gwent, it is essential for parents, educators, and the community to take proactive measures to address this issue. Providing accurate information about the potential risks associated with vaping, promoting smoke-free environments, and supporting smoking cessation programs can play a significant role in preventing the further increase in vaping among youngsters.

It is crucial that comprehensive research continues to be conducted to determine the long-term effects of vaping on both physical and mental well-being. In the meantime, raising awareness, educating young individuals about the potential dangers, and providing resources for smoking cessation programs can help combat the rise of vaping among youngsters in Gwent.