Healthwatch Blackpool has released its 2023 report collating data on the prevalence of vaping amongst children and young people in the area.

Based on a survey of 4,170 adolescents, the data revealed:

  • “Thirty-one per cent of young people who completed the survey currently vape or sometimes vape.
  • “It was found that 42 per cent of the children and young people who stated that they currently vape or sometimes vape, have been vaping for one to two years.
  • “Seventy-five per cent of children who vape reported using disposable vapes.
  • “Nine per cent of young people revealed that they have started smoking as a result of vaping.
  • “A significant majority, 65 per cent of children and young people, expressed a preference for fruity flavoured vapes.
  • “Fifty-two per cent of children and young people were unaware that vapes with over 600 puffs are illegal, stressing the necessity for education and information.”

The organisation also collected feedback from 138 teachers and professionals. The findings included:

  • “Seventy-four per cent expressed a desire for more knowledge about vaping.
  • “In addition, 33 per cent of teachers and professionals voiced their concerns about the lack of research surrounding vaping.”

Thirteen per cent of teachers surveyed also stated that they “feel that advertisements and social media have impacted on the increase in young people vaping.”

Finally, Healthwatch surveyed 297 parents and carers, and the responses showed:

  • “Forty-six per cent of them raised concerns about safety and long-term health.
  • “Furthermore, 10 per cent of parents and carers commented on the concerning accessibility of vapes, indicating a need for increased regulation and restrictions.”

One parent shared, “My son was sold vapes at age 11, and my husband reported it to the police nothing was done, it’s been difficult to prevent him getting vapes due to the child-friendly products and easy access. My child claims they no longer vape, but I found one today under his pillow - he coughs constantly.”

To conclude its report, the public voice organisation outlined the “concrete steps” it is taking to address these issues. The key points are:

  • “Liaising with Public Health partners: We will continue to collaborate closely with Public Health Blackpool to develop and shape conversations based on the feedback.
  • “Sharing insights at the ‘Smoking Cessation and Health (SCAH) Conference 2023’: We have been invited to present our findings at the upcoming SCAH Conference, where we will share our insights with healthcare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders.
  • “Raising the profile nationally through the call for evidence: We will actively participate in national initiatives, such as the ongoing call for evidence on vaping, to contribute our findings, raising awareness on a broader scale and influencing policy discussions.
  • “Sharing with health and care: We are committed to disseminating our final report to local health and care providers. By sharing our insights, we aim to foster collaboration and collective action to address the challenges posed by vaping in our community.”

Read the report here https://healthwatchblackpool.co.uk/wp-content/uplo...

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