Primary school children need to be taught dangers of vaping

A NEW educational programme to highlight the dangers of vaping needs to be developed and presented in primary schools, a senator has urged.

A worrying survey recently found that 30% of school children vape.

Now Fine Gael’s Tim Lombard said the concerning rise in the number of children vaping must be tackled and pupils ‘need to be educated to make informed decisions on their health’.

The Irish Heart Foundation also acquired figures that show teenagers who take up the habit are between three and five times more likely to start smoking cigarettes.

Mr Lombard said: ‘The current primary school curriculum doesn’t have any provision to educate children about this emerging and concerning trend and that needs to change.

‘A brilliant BT Young Scientist project by two students from Mary Immaculata Community College in Dunmanway surveyed 100 students aged 12-19 and uncovered alarming statistics.

‘Notably, 30% of the surveyed students reported engaging in vaping, which is incredibly significant. The study also found that the majority of students actually began vaping before they entered secondary school. This underscores the need for an education programme in primary school.

‘Research carried out from the Irish Heart Foundation tells us that teenagers who use vapes are three to five times more likely to start smoking compared to those who never used vapes and that is why it is important that we have an appropriate framework where teachers can engage with students to make sure they are empowered in the decision-making processes.

‘A draft updated specification for Wellbeing, including SPHE, at Primary level is being undertaken currently by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. It is essential a module on vaping is included in the updated curriculum. I will continue to pursue this with the Education Minister.’