New Teaching Resources on Vaping Created by KES Head of PSHE

New Teaching Resources on Nicotine and Vaping Created by KES Head of Learning for Life (PSHE), Hannah Dawes 

In 2023, over 20% of children had tried vaping, up from under 11.2% in 2021. Among 16-17 year-olds, 15% are now regular vape users, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).  As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently made clear, reducing teen vaping is a major target for this government. 

Addressing the issue in schools, teachers often feel under-prepared to deliver relevant, engaging and science-based content on this relatively new phenomenon. 

To help tackle this issue, new teaching materials have been created by Hannah Dawes, Head of Learning for Life (PSHE) at King Edward’s School and creator of The Exchange, a multimedia education platform that explores subjects that matter to young people in a direct, engaging and informative way. 

Working in collaboration with Drug Science, a charity founded by Professor David Nutt,  Hannah has created free and flexible teaching resources on Nicotine and Vaping for KS3 and upwards, featuring a series of experts in the field. Her hope is that teachers feel supported to discuss and teach about this timely and important subject, and that teenagers across the UK are equipped to make safer and better-informed decisions. 

The new materials will help students to learn about the history of tobacco, the role of advertising in influencing behaviour, and the scientific background to addiction, whilst also engaging in debates around vaping as a harm reduction tool and the environmental consequence of disposable vapes. 

Teachers can access the new resources, via The Exchange. About — The Exchange (jointheexchange.co.uk) 

Commenting on the new resources, Hannah said: “Often issues around vaping are shrouded in misinformation and my hope is that these classroom resources will support teenagers across the UK to make safer and better-informed decisions. 

“Here at KES, the Learning for Life programme teaches lessons on nicotine and vaping using evidence-based research in an age appropriate manner.” To support KES parents, Hannah will deliver a parent talk on vaping after half term.