By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-03 16:20:45 | Updated at 2026-10-03 17:10:50
1 hour ago
One in four vapes confiscated from pupils in schools contain illegal substances, a new report shows.
The study also suggests vaping has become ‘completely normal’ among schoolchildren, with 8 in 10 teachers reporting daily vaping in school toilets.
Although vapes are illegal for under-18s, the study shows 1 in 5 children vape or have tried vaping.
The new White Paper, by campaign group Stamp Out Vapes, led by NHS doctors, calls on the Government for urgent intervention amid warnings of a vape ‘crisis’ among children who are becoming addicted to nicotine and potentially inhaling dangerous substances without knowing.
The campaign group also says some products are reaching youngsters through shops operating without a vape-shop licensing system, while existing restrictions are inadequately enforced.
The report claims illegal and counterfeit products are sold openly to children in every part of the country, often by shops – known as ‘phoenix’ shops – that reopen under a different name after enforcement action or after being closed down.
The report ‘No Time to Delay: End Childhood Vaping’ says more than nine in ten ‘phoenix’ shops targeted over illegal tobacco or vapes are still open despite legal action against them.
The report also says police and public health agencies warn seized illegal e-liquids are often testing positive for heavy metals, uncontrolled drug additives or are laced with illegal drugs such as the cannabinoid Spice, which can cause severe poisoning, seizures and loss of consciousness.
The report claims illegal and counterfeit products are sold openly to children in every part of the country
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It urges the Government to be ‘honest’ about the organised crime behind many vape shops. It states: “Illegal vapes are the most dependable cash generators organised crime has ever seen, laundering the proceeds of drug supply, exploitation and human trafficking through the country’s town centres.”
It calls for tougher product safety checks, compulsory licensing for retailers and stronger enforcement against illegal sales.
The report comes as research by the University of Bath found that 13 per cent of 1,923 confiscated vapes and e-liquids collected from 114 schools across England contained Spice, rising to around one in four in London and Lancashire.
Dr Ahmed Ezzat, a London-based surgeon and founder of Health Creator Leaders, which is behind the campaign, said: “The illegal products reaching children have passed zero safety checks, they are sold by shops with no licence and no accountability.
Research by the University of Bath found that 13 per cent of 1,923 confiscated vapes and e-liquids collected from 114 schools across England contained Spice, rising to around one in four in London and Lancashire
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“This is a safeguarding failure, an enforcement failure and a gift to organised crime. Products are being sold to eleven-year-olds whose harms will not fully surface for a decade.”
The campaign comes despite legislation intended to strengthen protections for children.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent in April, giving ministers powers to introduce retail licensing, tighten product requirements and restrict advertising and promotion.
The Government intends to consult on the new retail licensing scheme in 2027, prompting accusations that action is too slow.
The campaign, which brings together NHS clinicians, health professionals and parents, has today launched a petition demanding tighter safety standards, retailer licensing and tougher enforcement, which they will submit to the Government.
A Government spokesman said: "This Government has taken decisive action to prevent children from vaping, including making it illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, abolishing single-use vapes, and banning advertising and sponsorship by vape companies from next year.
"Because of the impact on business, we are obliged to consult in detail on our proposed new retail licensing scheme, and our new restrictions on the packaging, appearance, flavours and displays of vapes, but no one should doubt our commitment to take the action required to protect children from nicotine addiction."
