The headteacher at a Devon school has written to parents warning them about the dangers of vaping after online rumours that a child had died. Tracy Stephenson, head at Tor Bridge High in Plymouth, wrote to families after rumours surfaced on social media following a post saying a 14-year-old student had died after using an unregulated liquid in a vape.
The information, posted in good faith by a concerned parent, turned out to be in error - no child has died. But it highlighted a growing problem in the city and the person who initiated the post told PlymouthLive: “It has got a lot of parents’ attention”.
Ms Stephenson told PlymouthLive police and social care professionals had confirmed that no child had died after vaping in Plymouth. But she said it highlighted increasing concerns around children vaping and said she is working with other schools on a coordinated approach.
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Earlier this month headteachers combined to warn parents about the dangers of children using vapes. They also highlighted the dangers of youngsters using unregulated and illegal liquids, such as cannabis oil, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) or the dangerous synthetic cannabis mimic Spice.
In her letter to parents Ms Stephenson wrote: “We have been made aware of reports circulating on social media overnight relating to the alleged death of a student. I have been in touch with the police and local social care services overnight and again this morning and we want to reassure you there is no indication of any known tragedy or incident relating to a student at Tor Bridge High.
“The wellbeing of all our students and staff is always our priority and we are aware this has been a distressing time for our community. We have reassured students today through tutor time and heads of year are providing additional support to students throughout today. Please encourage your children to reach out to their tutor or head of year if they would like to talk to someone.”
She went on to stress: “This incident highlights the continuing concerns schools have around the use of vapes and social media and as a school we are continuing to work through our PHSE (personal, health, social and economic) curriculum and assembly programme to educate our students. Across the City of Plymouth we are fortunate to be working with other schools on a coordinated approach to tackle this city wide issue and I have included a response from all headteachers to share the most up-to-date information.
“I am aware through my conversations with parents that this is an issue you are also worrying about. Should you wish to do so, I have attached a short leaflet which outlines ways you can discuss this with your children at home.”
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Included in an email sent to parents was the advice from collected secondary headteachers which said they were concerned about “a recent spike in incidents involving student vaping”.
It said: “We take this issue very seriously due to the negative health effects vaping could have on young people and often find that our parents/carers may not be aware of the risks around vaping by this age group.”
It warned: “Like cigarettes and alcohol, it is illegal to sell vaping items to people under the age of 18. However, students report that they can purchase these devices from some shops, online or from older siblings, friends, or other adults such as family members. It is also an offence for anyone to purchase vapes for anyone under the age of 18.
“Many young vapers simply aren’t aware of the potential pitfalls with risks including use of unregulated products that may contain toxic ingredients and also, possible future nicotine addiction.There has been an increase in use by some young people of vaping illegal drugs. Most often this is thought to be THC liquid (from cannabis), or it could be other synthetic drugs. There is no control over what is actually in these vapes or how strong these drugs are.
“Students can overdose on THC used in this way very easily causing them to become unwell very quickly. This can lead to medical attention being sought or even being taken to hospital as a precaution as this can be very worrying. Most of these effects go after an hour but this is a concerning experience for the young person and also those witnessing this situation and/or trying to help.”
The advice continued: “It is therefore important that until evidence suggests otherwise that we help our children understand that vapes are for helping adults to stop smoking and continue to avoid smoking, and that for young people still growing (all through secondary school) they should be avoided.”
And it warned that vaping on school grounds is not allowed. The letter said: “Vaping is prohibited in behaviour policies across secondary schools in the city and will be subject to sanctions.
“Possessing, sharing, supplying and using a vape containing THC or a synthetic drug (illegal drugs) on our school site is a serious breach of the law and will not be tolerated. THC or any other illegal substances are not permitted on this, or any other, school site.”
