When vape sensors were fitted in the toilets at St Joseph's High School in Horwich in Bolton, headteacher Tony McCabe never expected what they were about to reveal. 'On the very first day, they went off 112 times.' In a school of 1,000 pupils, he said it was 'beyond anything I imagined'. Those caught included pupils as young as 11. The school has been proactive in trying to educate its students and their parents about the risks of vaping and the extent of the problem.
Increasing numbers of unregulated disposable vapes, some laced with traces of cannabis, have been seized in recent months and there are fears the growing black market will fill the void created by restrictions. Read more:New study launched into long-term impact of vapingQuarter of pupils are vaping, headteacher tells MPs 'If you're making it illegal, it's just going to open darker routes into obtaining the vapes,' said student Venice Sison.