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In a powerful demonstration of initiative and awareness, S2 pupils at Craigmount High School recently participated in a ‘Live It!’ healthy living fair where they showcased materials urging young people to adopt positive lifestyle choices. Among the standout projects were those focusing on the pressing issue of e-cigarettes and their associated health risks.

Students Owen Adams, Murray Bruce, Max Green, and Olly Hay conducted extensive research on nicotine addiction and its health implications. Their campaign not only highlighted the dangers associated with e-cigarette use but also provided practical tips for peers seeking to quit vaping. This effort has been recognized by ASH Scotland, a health charity dedicated to combating tobacco use and promoting healthier lifestyles.

The pupils utilized the resources available on ASH Scotland’s website to understand the urgency of addressing youth vaping—a significant public health concern. E-cigarettes, which often lure young users with attractive flavors and vibrant packaging, are laden with addictive nicotine and harmful chemicals. The alarming trend of youth vaping has prompted calls for increased awareness and regulatory measures.

Murray Bruce remarked, “Vaping isn’t only bad for your lungs. I’m concerned about young people getting addicted. I’ve found out it’s young people that are targeted with the bright colors and different flavors.”

His concerns resonate with a growing body of evidence suggesting that youth vaping can lead to long-term health issues. Bruce further emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of age restrictions, proposing that more "fake customers" be sent into stores to ensure that shops are not selling to underage individuals.

Laura Thompson, Project Learning Lead at Craigmount High School, expressed her satisfaction with the students’ focus on youth vaping, underscoring its societal impact. “Banning smoking from public places seemed like such a game changer when that was brought in. Over 20 years on, and we’ve just created a new problem. We don’t yet know the full extent of the issue, as the long-term impacts of vaping are not yet known,” she stated, highlighting the pressing need for ongoing education and research.

Thompson continued, “I do worry about the health implications moving forward. It’s important for young people to take the lead in finding out more and looking at what can be done to raise awareness of this problem.”

The project garnered praise from Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, who commended the students for their dedication to raising awareness about addiction and health challenges posed by tobacco and nicotine products. “The information campaign developed by Owen, Murray, Max, and Olly raised much-needed awareness about the damage that tobacco and e-cigarettes can cause young people in their excellent project work promoting healthy living,” she said.

The engagement of young people in addressing these issues not only empowers them but also signals a collective movement toward better health practices among the youth. As vaping continues to trend among adolescents, initiatives like those at Craigmount High School play a crucial role in informing peers about the risks associated with e-cigarettes.

For more information on youth vaping and its implications, you can visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/young-people-vaping.