Agenda item

1.    Ms Kulkarni-Johnston and Mr Hickson introduced the report and gave an overview of its content.

2.    In response to comments and questions it was said:

a.    A Member shared concerns about the unregulated sales of vapes. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston explained that there was work done with Trading Standards around illegal sale of vapes to young people in Kent, who had the authority to stop sales. There was proposed national legislation which would prevent the sale of disposable vapes, which was to have a significant impact if passed. On the KCC website there was guidance for young people to address their concerns. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston explained that the majority of young people did not vape but levels were rising and the service was paying attention to this issue.

b.    When asked if there was any level of control over the chemical put in rechargeable vapes. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston explained that only the illegality of selling vapes to under age persons could be addressed. Officers had trained young volunteers in order to locate businesses selling vapes illegally, additionally, there were champions in communities who would inform corner shop staff of the illegality.

c.    Members requested that the Committee should receive regular updates on this issue.

d.    When asked if there was a consistent approach from school leaders to ensure their schools were smoke free spaces. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston explained that there was value in the concept, adding that letters were sent to schools detailing the highlights of the reports and schools would get the opportunity to respond.

e.    A Member raised the issue of children disposing of vapes before going into school. Mr Hickson shared that this observation aligned with data collected and outlined the next steps for the service following the results of the survey. Qualitative research in select schools was to take place, following the results of the survey, to get more information. Additionally, the survey was to be repeated following the implementation of legislation to ban disposable vapes.

f.     A Member raised concern surrounding the targeted advertising of vapes toward children and vulnerable individuals. Mr Hickson explained that there was a desire to do qualitive research in special schools in order to collect data.

g.    When asked about the research into influences of young people. Ms Kulkarni-Johnston explained that data suggested that young people were influenced to vape, further analysis would research into preventing negative influences. Mr Hickson added that data showed that vaping within young people was not about positive perception it was more about a desire to fit in socially. Dr Ghosh shared concerns about the rise in use of nicotine pouches, which was believed to be targeting children, highlighting the risk of attractive packaging and an assortment of flavours.

h.    A Member questioned what was the expectations of the schools that were part of survey and whether other testing environments could be used. Additionally, highlighting that only 33% of schools took part in the survey, a disproportionate representation of districts. Mr Hickson initiated research by asking schools how they believed it should be conducted. Results revealed that form time and PSHE lessons were the most appropriate period to conduct research. Mr Hickson added that just over 30 schools agreed to take part in the survey, there was under and over representation of districts and variations in levels of deprivation. Schools were provided with the survey, there was not a significant amount of work for the schools to complete.

i.      A Member noted that a significant number of pupils from Sevenoaks attended school in different districts, so it was hoped a fair representation was provided.

j.      The Chair shared her concerns of over the top advertisement of vapes and social pressure between young people. Additionally, the Chair thanked the team for their report.

k.    Mr Watkins expressed his thanks to the team for the report, noting that he wanted to see further results brought to the Committee.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the information contained within this report and commented on the survey and related work.