Schools should be legally required to warn parents if their children are caught vaping, says MP

Parents should be informed by schools if their child is caught vaping, an MP says.

A recent survey found that nine in 10 mothers and fathers want to be informed when their children are using the devices, which teachers say are becoming increasingly popular.

Currently, there is no legal requirement for schools to ban vaping or to notify parents if their child is caught, as there is for tobacco and drugs.

The We Vape survey also found that three-quarters believe retailers who repeatedly sell vapes to children should go to jail.

Tory MP Craig Whittaker told it the sun: ‘Schools should inform parents if their child is caught vaping.

‘The government is taking tough action against vaping among young people and parents must be informed about children so that they can also take their responsibility.’

Mark Oates of We Vape added: ‘It shows that schools are keen to engage with parents. Teachers and parents working together is an obvious way to deter young people from vaping.”

Meanwhile, NASUWT research has revealed that more than half of teachers have seen students leave the classroom to vape.

The union’s Darren Northcott said: ‘In our experience, schools generally inform parents of significant episodes of inappropriate behaviour. The biggest problem is that it is so easy for people under 18 to get hold of vapes.”

Younger generations in Scotland could be banned from ever buying cigarettes or vapes as part of a new crackdown.

MSPs will follow the UK government and consider raising the age for selling tobacco, but also plan to do the same for vaping.