Education South West CEO Speaks Out on Vaping Concerns in Westminster

Matthew Shanks, the CEO of Education South West, a trust that runs fourteen schools across Devon, was in Westminster this week (Tuesday 7th January) to provide evidence to the committee of MPs examining the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to prohibit the sale of tobacco and vaping products to people born on or after 1 January 2009 and also contains provisions regarding controlling the advertising of tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products.

Mr Shanks spoke to the committee in his capacity as the Chair of the Secondary Headteacher Reference Group which advises ministers and officials on the potential impact of policies on secondary education.  He highlighted that children who would not contemplate smoking engage in vaping because they see it as harmless and because vapes are easily accessible.  Mr Shanks stated that action needed to be taken to ensure that vapes are not marketed to children and to convey to children that they are tools for adults to help them cease smoking.

He also spoke about the fact that it is currently too easy for children to purchase vapes and called for sterner punishments for businesses who sell such products to those who are underage.  The appearance and location of vape shops was also raised with Mr Shanks passing on the concerns of educators that they are often designed to attract young people.  He commented that further regulation in that area would be welcome.

The smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England report for 2023 showed regular or occasional vaping in children had increased from 6% in 2018, apparently a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vaping and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) do it frequently.

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “At Education South West our purpose is to educate children so they can live great lives.  This education is not limited to the knowledge gained in the classroom but includes supporting young people to lead healthy lifestyles.

“I was pleased to travel up to Westminster to present evidence on behalf of schools across the country about how vaping is affecting young people, their education and schools more broadly.  Education South West are proud to take part in all initiatives that we can that will help make our society a safer and healthier place for everyone and I look forward to seeing this bill progress in Parliament.”