What is an e-cigarette?

An e-cigarette (vape) is an electronic device that vaporises a liquid. In addition to flavourings and other substances, this liquid may also contain nicotine. The Trimbos study shows that nearly two-thirds of the young people who used an e-cigarette monthly in 2023 also smoked cigarettes monthly. This suggests that the argument that experimenting with e-cigarettes would be safer than tobacco smoke is not justified.

Integrated approach

But what can schools do to prevent and discourage smoking and vaping? An integrated approach to smoking remains as important as ever, with attention to policy, identifying signs, the school environment and education. The VO Council has collected examples of how schools combat vaping among pupils and how to communicate about it.

Recognised Healthy School activities

Provide ongoing attention to smoking, alcohol and drug prevention through Healthy School activities. To prevent young people from starting to smoke and vape, or to prevent those who have started from continuing, you can use the Smokefree Challenge. This is a Healthy School activity for the Smoking, alcohol and drug prevention theme in secondary education, developed by the Trimbos Institute.

Also get started on making your entire school grounds smoke-free. This establishes a healthy norm and helps create a healthy school climate.

Background information on smoking and vaping

More information about smoking and vaping can be found at the Trimbos Institute:

Source: www.gezondeschool.nl

Photo credit: Marieke Duijsters.