Young people and vaping in Haringey

In September 2023, Public Voice CIC and Healthwatch Haringey were commissioned by Haringey Public Health to conduct research into the attitudes and behaviours among secondary school-age pupils around vaping as part of the Greater London Authority (GLA) School Superzones Programme. They undertook a survey, focus groups and semi-structured interviews, reaching 418 people.

 The research explores attitudes towards, and awareness of, vaping and vaping products among secondary school pupils in Haringey. The research also explores vape usage, health implications, the attraction and appeal of vapes, and the motivations for vaping. 

The aim of this research was to inform thinking on how engagement with young people can be conducted; and to help schools in Haringey think about specific policies, approaches, and alternative support for pupils in Haringey who may be vaping, contrary to the automatic exclusion of pupils. 

The research found that vaping is regarded as socially acceptable among pupils. They find it easy to obtain vapes which may contain unknown substances in some cases. Social media has played a role in the attraction and popularity of vaping among young people. 

The report recommends increased joint-working among local partners, schools and healthcare services. 

 The findings from this research will continue to inform and shape the next phase of the Superzones project, i.e. a targeted campaign aimed at raising awareness of vaping harms, with supporting workshops and educational materials targeted at schools and parents.