Charity wants to get the right information delivered to young people

An anti-smoking charity has launched an e-learning module for youth workers, educators and health professionals in Scotland on vaping.

The learning aid is being launched by Ash Scotland as latest figures suggest regular e-cigarette use by 15-year-olds has tripled and more than doubled for 13-year-olds in the last five years.

The health charity’s vaping and young people module covers a range of topics including details about e-cigarette devices and their contents, the risks to young people who vape, and advice for those looking to raise the issue of vaping with youngsters they work with.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said: “With the recent upsurge of youth vaping across Scotland, a number of concerned teachers, parents and health professionals have contacted us for information and advice.

“It’s important those working most closely with young people in Scotland can access a resource to build confidence in starting conversations to empower youngsters to make informed choices about their long-term health.

“Children using e-cigarettes is a serious concern as most vaping products include nicotine, which is highly addictive, and toxic e-liquids that have not been safety tested for inhalation and could risk damage to growing lungs over time.

“Our new e-learning module is designed to be a useful source of information and a learning aid for those working with children and young people to increase their knowledge about vaping and its risks.”

The ‘Vaping and young people’ e-learning module is available for free at www.ashscotlandmoodle.org.ukhere