The government’s new ban on disposable vapes and flavoured options may seem like a turning point in the battle against teen vaping – and it is. But while the intention behind the legislation is commendable, it would be short-sighted for schools to assume the problem ends here. In reality, access to vapes among under-18s remains a very real issue – and the need for preventative measures, such as vape detectors, has never been greater.

The Ban: What Has Changed?

The new law bans the sale of single-use vapes and introduces stricter regulations around flavours and packaging that appeal to children. Retailers can no longer legally sell these products to young people, and enforcement will be stepped up. This is undeniably a positive move – but it does not mean that vapes have disappeared from school grounds.

Young People Weren’t Buying from Shops Anyway

Let’s be honest: the majority of pupils caught vaping in schools weren’t walking into high street shops and purchasing them legally. They were getting them from older friends, siblings, online sellers, or black-market sources. The ban may increase the cost and reduce availability somewhat, but it’s unlikely to sever supply lines completely.

In fact, as legal availability decreases, illegal trading may rise – and that comes with greater risks. Unregulated products are more likely to contain harmful substances or dangerously high levels of nicotine, putting children’s health at even greater risk.