School vaping behind new wave of bullying

UNDERAGE vaping in schools is leading to an epidemic of bullying and absence.

- Jonathan Walker

Children are being coerced into getting hold of products to be sold or swapped in the playground and many pupils are missing lessons due to illness.

Patrick Roach, general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, said that while the problems are worse in secondary schools, "we are also seeing teachers reporting pupils vaping from as early as 10 years of age".

The alarm was raised by union bosses as they urged the Government to press ahead with plans to ban smoking entirely.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, making its way through Parliament, will ensure people aged 15 or younger this year can never legally be sold tobacco products, with on-the-spot fines of £100 for retailers breaking the law.