Addressing Youth Vaping in Schools

The alarming rise in youth vaping rates highlights the urgency of the situation. Over the past three years, the number of children using vapes has tripled, with one in five 11 to 17-year-olds having tried it. Three-quarters of teachers report a surge in vaping incidents within their schools.

While the excise duty won't take effect until October 2026, schools must take proactive measures to protect and educate their students regarding the risks of vaping. Schools need to uphold their responsibility and duty of care, ensuring that students caught vaping receive appropriate guidance and support.

The introduction of the excise duty is a step in the right direction, but addressing youth vaping requires a multifaceted approach. Alongside legislative measures, schools play a pivotal role in educating students about the dangers of vaping and promoting healthy behaviours.

At Pinnacle Systems, we understand the challenges schools face in combating youth vaping. Our comprehensive solutions empower schools to create safer environments and address vaping incidents effectively.

As an open platform, with an emphasis on integration and adaptability, the solution can evolve to work with the school environment, identifying target areas for vaping, and being sensitively aware of the situation and the need to connect data for improved analysis.  Centralised, real-time alerts can be triggered by environment and air quality changes as well as abnormal noise levels. 

Instant reporting can be delivered by email, PA systems, text or a cloud portal.  Plus, the use of site mapping alongside cameras allows for not just an immediate response, but also recordings for playback purposes. 

Pinnacle Systems stands as an opportunity to cost-effectively and compliantly address the evolving challenges faced by modern schools.   We can work together to provide school site managers and authorised staff the chance to stay one step ahead, creating a safer educational space for staff, pupils and visitors.