Issue - meetings

To receive the Children and Young People’s and Vaping Statement.

The Public Health Consultant outlined to Members the position statement on Children and Young people and vaping in Telford & Wrekin. Members heard that there was a growing concern regarding the level of children and young people who were vaping in the borough, and the national Smokefree Youth GB survey 2023 showed a significant increase with 11.6% of 11-17 year olds reporting experimenting with vapes in 2023 nationwide, compared to 7.7% in 2022.

The Telford & Wrekin position statement on vaping in children and young people, had been produced based on the current evidence and best practice.  The Public Health Consultant advised Members that the key aim of the statement was to widely share the evidence and helpful resources with young people, their parents and carers, and professionals to help educate and guide discussions around vaping and the risk it poses. The Public Health Consultant noted that it was important to highlight that vaping has been proven to be an effective tool to aid quitting smoking in those who currently or have previously smoked. Research showed that the vast majority of young people who vape are also current or ex-smokers. However, was a need for a careful balance between the promotion of vaping as a tool to help quitting and promotion of vaping in those who do not smoke. The Public Health Consultant informed the Board that following the meeting the statement would be circulated to headteachers and further work on the issue would be brought to local schools.

Members of the Board expressed support for the report, noting the complexity of the issues and the importance of finding the correct approach.

RESOLVED – that the Board approve the Telford & Wrekin vaping statement for children & young people for dissemination among partners.