Dangers of vaping highlighted to school pupils

Secondary school pupils in Powys have been handed fake vape packages as part of a bold new initiative to highlight the dangers of vaping among young people.

The campaign, led by Powys Teaching Health Board in partnership with Powys County Council, is part of the wider “Bursting with Flavour” programme aimed at tackling the growing trend of vaping among under-18s.

Pupils in Years 8 and 9 were given mock vape packaging designed to look like real products.

At first glance, the packets resemble genuine vapes brightly coloured, sleek, and adorned with fruity and sweet imagery. But on closer inspection, the fruit images are rotten, and the packets are covered in stark health warnings.

A QR code on the packaging links pupils to further information and support, designed to counteract the appealing marketing tactics many vape manufacturers use.

Figures show that youth vaping is rising at an alarming rate in Wales. In 2023, 7% of children in Years 7 to 11 reported vaping at least once a week—up from 5.4% in 2021 and 2.7% in 2019. In Powys, 19.6% of young people aged 11 to 16 have tried vaping, slightly below the Welsh average of 20.4%.

One Year 9 pupil who took part said: “It’s more normalised for our age especially now. You go out and see groups of girls and boys vaping.

“They are really colourful and advertising the flavours, so it’s very aimed at our age group.”

Although it has been illegal to sell vapes to under-18s since 2015, professionals across Powys and Wales are raising concerns over the easy availability and targeted marketing of vape products to children. Disposable vapes, often cheaper and easier to hide, are especially popular among teenagers.

Carron Goold, Associate Leader at Crickhowell High School, said: “It is essential that we highlight the dangers of vaping to our young people. Their health and future are at risk due to the rise in the use of these products and lack of understanding about the harmful substances they contain.
“Raising awareness can empower young people to make informed choices.”

The initiative is part of a growing effort to curb youth vaping ahead of a nationwide ban on single-use vapes, due to come into effect in June 2025.

Mererid Bowley, Executive Director of Public Health for Powys, said: “Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive. Regular use can affect concentration and learning.

“We’re seeing schools across Powys dealing with increased use of vapes among pupils. Some schools have had to monitor toilets and other areas due to concerns.”

Welshpool High School and other local schools are being encouraged to engage with the campaign as it rolls out further across the county.

Cllr Richard Church, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, added: “The rise in youth vaping is a concern. It’s becoming more visible on our streets, and I worry about its influence on even younger children.

“The ‘Bursting with Flavour’ campaign is a vital step in raising awareness and opening up conversations about the risks involved. We all need to work together to protect our young people.”