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26
May 2023
Headteachers unite to warn of vaping dangers to children in Harrogate district
Headteachers from across the Harrogate district have issued a joint letter to all parents warning of the dangers of vaping.
The unusual move by secondary school leaders was prompted by "an increase in the number of incidents in our local community", the letter said.
The heads of Boroughbridge High, Harrogate College, Harrogate Grammar, Harrogate High, King James's, Nidderdale High, Ripon Grammar, Rossett, Springwell, St Aidan's and St John Fisher schools have all put their names to the letter, which says:
Respiratory problems
The letter warns that vaping from a young age may lead to respiratory problems in later life, and recent research shows children could be inhaling unsafe amounts of lead and nickel. There have been reports of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, being used in vaping, the letter said.
The headteachers also said young people could view vaping as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, but the nicotine is still addictive.
The letter points parents towards information from Ash, Kids Health, and West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, and says anyone with concerns can speak to their child's school. It concludes:
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