Increasing use of vapes and nicotine pouches among teenagers is having a significant impact on schools across Scotland, new research jointly led by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Centre for Social Research has shown. The study found that pupils’ use of vapes, is affecting attendance, behaviour, and the wider school environment.
Increasing use of vapes and nicotine pouches among teenagers is having a significant impact on schools across Scotland, new research jointly led by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Centre for Social Research has shown.
The study found that pupils’ use of vapes, is affecting attendance, behaviour, and the wider school environment. Pupils reported leaving lessons and missing classes to vape or use nicotine pouches, contributing to truancy and disruption, and some described adverse health effects.
Staff said some young people are showing signs of nicotine addiction, and teachers are spending considerable time and resources responding to the issue, including patrolling school grounds and toilets, and engaging with local retailers.
The study involved focus groups and interviews with 77 pupils aged 14 to 16, and 13 members of school staff, across four secondary schools in Scotland’s central belt.