Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Trading Standards, Police Scotland (Western Isles) and The Nicolson Institute are pleased to announce a new working partnership to tackle the issue of child vaping after a number of reports have been made to all three organisations.
Vaping takes place via what is known as an e-cigarette, a device that allows the user to inhale nicotine in vapour form rather than by smoke. The rise in their use across the United Kingdom by both adults and children has increased dramatically over recent years and the Western Isles is no exception.
This new partnership will involve regular meetings and exchange of information about the ongoing issues faced in dealing with the problem, as well as a number of activities that will take place by each of the key partners, including throughout the Western Isles where appropriate.
Jay Moran from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Trading Standards, said:
“It is clear there has been an increase in the use of these products by children across the UK and often the health risks are sadly understated. There have also been multiple reports of hauls of illegal vapes seized by trading standards teams across the country. These are likely the most dangerous as can contain high levels of dangerous substances. Many vapes confiscated from school children across the UK have also been found to be illicit ones that should never have been sold in the first place.
“Therefore, we are absolutely committed to stamping out any illegal sales of these products, especially to children here in the Western Isles by working together with our new partners. We have written to registered sellers to remind them of their responsibilities and supplied advice packs and will also provide any additional support where required. We will conduct a series of inspections across the islands to check products are compliant and may carry out test purchase exercises to ensure children do not get access to these products over the counter. We always aim to help businesses in the best way to become compliant where problems are identified. However, in situations where it is found sellers are acting reckless or flouting the law then enforcement action will be used.”
Sergeant Robert Shirkie of Police Scotland (Western Isles) said:
“The law in Scotland is clear that it is illegal for shops and retail premises to sell NVPs (Nicotine Vapour Products) to anyone under 18. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that premises are adhering to the law and effectively applying the ‘Challenge 25’ policy.”
Jen Cairns, Rector, from The Nicolson Institute, said:
“We want every child to be the best possible version of themselves, to have a healthy lifestyle and to get the best out of their education here with us. Becoming addicted to vaping and smoking products will not help them to achieve this and therefore we will be providing our pupils with relevant advice and education on the health risks associated to these highly additive products. As well as support and signposting to quitting and cessation services for those already affected, we will be reminding the pupils and their parents/carers of the commitment for students to maintain appropriate behaviour during school time. Where breaches of this may occur, including by the use or carrying of prohibited items, we will take robust action where necessary to safeguard our learning environment. We are looking forward to working closely with the Police and Trading Standards to deal with this extremely important issue”.