Nicotine: The addiction that is becoming a safeguarding concern and what DSLs can do to support students

We all know as educators the health risks of smoking and vaping. We can talk to students about this in science, PSHE and in awareness sessions. Nicotine use is becoming not only a logistical issue for schools (for example, due to having to install vapour detectors or stop and search students) but also leading to behavioural and safeguarding concerns. The aim of this piece is not to explain how to teach young people about the dangers of nicotine, but more how DSLs and staff can look for signs and support young people who may be using nicotine.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is classed as a ‘stimulant’ which means it triggers the release of dopamine and speeds up messages between the brain and the body. In the short term, it can make a person feel more alert, but when it wears off, so do the effects. Nicotine is also addictive which means long-term regular use can cause the body to crave more nicotine and make it harder to stop using it.

Nicotine is either extracted from the tobacco plant or created in a lab using chemicals. The most common ways that people can use nicotine include:

• Cigarettes/rolling tobacco

• Vapes or e-cigarettes

• Nicotine pouches, often known as “snus”

• Chewing tobacco

What is the risk to students?

Tobacco use amongst teens is down for the first time since research began and the focus is now on vapes and nicotine pouches, which some would argue have been marketed towards children and young people.

Schools and colleges are already well versed with the epidemic of brightly coloured and flavoured vapes that are being found amongst students, some as young as primary school age. There is also the issue that some parents will be enabling this by allowing them to vape and even purchasing vapes. “Snus” is widely used in sport such as football. Many young people may be influenced by this and see high profile athletes using it and this could minimise the danger to them.

Use of counterfeit or illegal vapes also poses safety risk. As with cigarettes and alcohol, nicotine products are restricted to over 18s. However, in most UK towns and cities, dedicated “vape shops” grace every high street and may not be as strict on their product quality or who they sell them to.

Schools and colleges will often be the places that notice potential behavioural changes in students, which may indicate they are addicted to nicotine. This could include:

• Frequent requests to leave lessons, extended toilet breaks, unexplained absences from lessons or congregating in known “vaping” hotspots

• Behavioural changes – inability to concentrate, irritability and loss of focus can all be signs that a student may have a nicotine addiction

• Admission and rationale – some students may tell us that they are vaping or using nicotine. Some have reasoning which is also misinformation for example “it helps with my ADHD”, “it calms me down” or “it isn’t dangerous”.

What can DSLs do?

There is currently no national strategy to support children and young people to quit vaping. An obvious route is to talk to them about going to their GP or an NHS advisory service who can offer a non-judgmental space to discuss their nicotine addiction. However, DSLs can support with small practical steps such as:

• Identification of areas where students may go to vape and ensure a staff presence and staff who are willing to have conversations with them. This could also be considering how the physical environment promotes vaping, for example are there any areas of the school site where it might be easier to remain unseen?

• Facilitating a safe space for open and honest conversations with parents and carers. Avoid judgement but look for solutions or ways they can work together. Understand that some parents may be shocked and horrified, whereas others may already know and even be facilitating it

• Asking them to keep a diary of how much they are vaping. What are the triggers for them wanting to vape or consume other forms of nicotine? How do they feel if they don’t?

• Addressing unsafe situations and misinformation. Speak to them about the dangers of illegal vapes and places that sell them. Some illicit vapes have been found to contain substances other than nicotine

• For those who are saying it helps with their moods and behaviour, acknowledge this but also prevent them with the facts. Talk About Trust has some really good resources for schools and parents

• Communicate with them. How are they doing? Have they cut down? Is peer pressure an issue. Open dialogue is key to ensuring a consistent approach

• Educate and talk about it. Schools and colleges should be acknowledging the issues with nicotine. Use credible sources such as the BBC who have some targeted articles and research for young people

• Ensure that staff are not seen vaping by students. School sites should be “smoke free” but there should be communication to staff about where and when they vape and if they will be seen by students

DSLs should also remain vigilant for wider safeguarding concerns linked to nicotine such as:

• Peer pressure and exploitation

• Attendance concerns

• Financial pressures from sustaining a nicotine dependency

• Purchasing products from unregulated or potentially unsafe sources

While nicotine use is often viewed primarily as a health issue, DSLs should recognise that it is a growing safeguarding concern. As with any emerging trend affecting children and young people, a curious, non-judgemental approach is essential. Schools and colleges are well placed to identify early warning signs, challenge misinformation, engage parents and carers, and support young people to make healthier choices.

About the author: Melissa Pollard is a Designated Safeguarding Lead with 20 years experience in education and children's mental health.