Our schools are facing an epidemic of vaping

More must be done to deter a new generation of nicotine addicts

- PAT MCKENNA

Before the early 2000s the smoking of cigarettes was a major issue in Irish schools ... in toilets, behind bike sheds, and even in staff rooms.

We understood the risks, and these were highlighted through public health campaigns.

Pricing was adjusted to deter purchases, packaging showed graphic images of the effects. Through legislation, in particular the 2004 smoking ban, coupled with education and enforcement, smoking diminished hugely in schools and the wider community.

We felt we had won that battle in but schools moving forward to the present day we are facing a very different landscape and challenges. Vaping has now replaced smoking and is on the increase. It is more difficult to detect and police - and is proving very challenging to schools.

We are facing a new epidemic of vaping one that I believe is designed to draw in teenagers.

We are creating a new generation of people who face nicotine addiction and unknown health difficulties going forward.

The branding names, smell, flavour, the whole marketing ploy - is designed, I believe, to bring in that younger grouping.

In schools we are seeing it more and more within our student populations and particularly girls.