Schools in Rochdale borough to become vape free settings

Edgar Wood pupils with Councillor Massey; Mr Kamaluddin, safeguarding lead and Mr Jones, head of Edgar Wood

Efforts to reduce the number of young people vaping are being stepped up through a new campaign to help local schools become vape-free.

The council-led initiative sets out the potential health risks of vaping and was developed after school leaders expressed concern about the number of pupils using the nicotine-filled devices, which are designed to be used by adults as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes.

It is part of a wider campaign with a key message that vaping is not for children and not risk free.

The latest move aims to equip schools with resources to become vape-free settings. This includes materials for assemblies in secondary schools and training for professionals working with young people.

Over the past few years the council has seized hundreds of thousands of illegal vapes from local businesses, many containing dangerous chemicals and significantly higher levels of nicotine than found in legal devices.

More than 45 schools in the borough have already signed up for the new campaign, and more than 300 banners and signs have been distributed.

It comes as the government moves towards a total ban on all disposable vapes by 1 June 2025.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: "We are proud to have introduced this initiative, especially as the rise in youth vaping is something that deeply worries me. It is becoming more evident on our streets, and I am particularly concerned about the impact on even younger siblings, who may see it as a trend to follow.

"We have to take action now to prevent this from escalating further and to protect the health of our young people. It has been encouraging to see so many schools sign up, but we need even more to get involved. Parents and carers also play a vital role in tackling this issue, and we urge them to stay informed and have open conversations with their children about the risks.

"Vaping is not always easy to spot, so awareness is key."

Councillor Daalat Ali, joint deputy leader and cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is still essential that we need to warn people of the increase of underage vape users, in particular illegal vapes, which have now been proven to contain harmful chemicals. Last year our trading standards team seized nearly 20,000 illegal vapes from businesses and individuals selling potentially hazardous products to children."

Early Break, a Rochdale-based support service, has supported the campaign. Free support materials, including banners, amnesty boxes, certificates, and no-vaping signs, are available, with ongoing support for schools.

More information and how to join the initiative can be found here: www.rochdale.gov.uk/vaping