06 November 2023
By
The YPO Team
As vaping becomes more prevalent, vape detectors can play an essential role in deterring vaping in schools and protecting children's long-term health.
Vaping has become a massive issue in schools across the country, with some resorting to exclusions and toilet bans for pupils.* This can result in pupils and teachers missing out on vital lesson time trying to handle the issue.
The vaping trend is growing year by year. In 2023 alone, 20.5% of children had tried vaping, up from 15.8% in 2022 and 13.9% in 2020 before the first COVID lockdown.** The issue has gotten so big that it has acquired the attention of the UK Prime Minister, who has spoken out about banning the devices to prevent child addiction.
The UK Government are attempting to stop youth vaping by ensuring companies who sell disposable vapes do not use "child-friendly" packaging. However, we know that vapes contain Nicotine, one of the most addictive substances available. Those children who are already resorting to disposable vapes are likely already addicted.
With pupils resorting to sneaking to the toilets at school to take out a vape, schools are struggling to tackle the issue head-on. Vape detectors can be a crucial weapon in the fight to deter vaping in schools and protect children’s long-term health. Some vape detectors are powered by batteries. These types of detectors may seem like an attractive solution due to their low cost. However, the batteries can easily be removed, rendering these detectors effectively useless.
A smarter solution to the problem…
A more valuable alternative to installing a battery-powered vape detector would be one powered by a USB cable, which could be hidden inside your school walls and inaccessible for children to tamper with.
One example of this is the new Hispec Vape Detector. Designed with a laser scattering sensor, this smart detector is easy to fit and comes with a free app to allow for real-time monitoring on multiple devices, meaning if vaping has been detected, a number of staff members can be alerted and put a stop to it.
If this sounds like a solution that would benefit your school, click here to learn more. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
* https://news.sky.com/story/youth-vaping-fast-becoming-epidemic-childrens-doctors-warn-as-they-call-for-ban-on-disposable-vapes-12897212
** https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/use-of-e-cigarettes-among-young-people-in-great-britain