A NEW online resource aimed at educating young people and their families about the dangers of vaping has been launched in Gloucestershire.

The dedicated webpage brings together expert advice on the health risks of adolescent vaping, alongside guidance and support for those looking to quit. It also provides information for parents, carers, teachers and professionals who want to better understand the issue and support young people who vape.

Developed by Gloucestershire County Council’s public health team in collaboration with Trading Standards, school nurses, teachers, GPs and voluntary sector partners, the resource aims to tackle the growing concern around youth vaping across the county.

Recent figures from the Gloucestershire 2024 Pupil Wellbeing Survey show that 29.4 per cent of Year 10 pupils and 45 per cent of Year 12 pupils have tried vaping.

Vaping poses greater risks to young people than adults, with developing lungs and brains more vulnerable to nicotine. Officials are particularly concerned about the impact of single-use vapes, which have contributed to the rise in youth usage.

The launch coincides with the Government’s national ban on disposable vapes, which came into force on Saturday, June 1.

The site also offers advice on reporting the illegal sale of vapes to Trading Standards, and forms part of Gloucestershire’s wider tobacco control strategy, which supports vaping as a cessation tool for adult smokers, while aiming to prevent children from starting altogether.

Siobhan Farmer, Director of public health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Vaping can be a useful tool to help adults stop smoking but it is dangerous for young people to vape. I am pleased that we, along with NHS Gloucestershire, have been able to produce this resource to educate young people, along with their parents and carers, on the risks of vaping.”