Blackpool children and young people are vaping at double the national rate
31% of kids in Blackpool are vaping compared to 15.8% nationally
New data from Healthwatch has revealed that 31% of Blackpool's children and young people surveyed currently vape, with 40% of those who vape, using vapes every day.
This is around double the amount of kids vaping compared to the national picture - where 15.8% of youngsters are smoking e-cigarettes.
The research, commissioned by Blackpool Council’s Public Health team, involved conversations with 4,170 children and young people.
They found that 42% of the children and young people who stated that they currently vape or sometimes vape, have been vaping for 1-2 years.
75% of children who vape reported using disposable vapes and 9% of young people revealed that they have started smoking as a result of vaping.
Further, 52% of children and young people responded that they were unaware that vapes with over 600 puffs are illegal.
138 teachers and professionals were also surveyed - with 74% expressing a desire for more knowledge about vaping, 33% say they are concerned about the lack of research surrounding vaping.
Going forward, Dr Arif Rajpura, Blackpool Council Director of Public Health, said: “Our Public Health team are working closely with trading standards enforcement to reduce under-age sales to children and young people.
"We are also working to help schools and young people by providing more education and support around vaping, especially in relation to addiction, peer pressure and misconceptions around vaping being helpful to reduce stress."