The small town of Buckingham is facing a growing concern as reports indicate a sharp rise in teenage vaping. This mirrors a wider trend seen across Buckinghamshire but is felt acutely within local schools and communities. Despite laws prohibiting the sale of vapes to those under 18, underage access to these devices appears to remain worryingly easy, sparking concerns among parents, educators, and health advocates.
Local health authorities, including Buckinghamshire’s Tobacco Control Alliance, have flagged the issue as troubling. Data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) highlights that across the county, the proportion of young people aged 11–17 who have used vapes increased significantly from 15.7% in 2022 to 20.5% in 2023. While specific numbers for Buckingham aren’t available, teachers and parents in the area say the problem is evident.
Jo Clark, a biology teacher at Buckingham’s Royal Latin School, expressed her concerns about the marketing tactics used to target young people. “The bright packaging and sweet flavors are designed to appeal to kids, and they’re succeeding. It’s alarming how normalized vaping has become among teenagers,” she said.
The Buckingham Council has also noted the issue and is calling for stricter measures to regulate the sale of these products. A recent report from Buckinghamshire Trading Standards revealed numerous test purchases in which vapes were successfully sold to minors. Although enforcement efforts are ongoing, local officials emphasize the need for tougher penalties on retailers who flout the law.
Beyond regulation, the impact of vaping on young people’s health remains a pressing concern. Experts warn that while vaping is considered safer than smoking for adults trying to quit, it poses significant health risks to teenagers. Long-term effects are still unknown, and nicotine addiction can severely impact adolescent brain development.
Parents like Emma Turner, whose teenage son attends a local school, describe the emotional toll. “It’s heartbreaking. You try to protect your kids, but the vaping industry makes these products look so harmless. We need more education in schools about the risks.”
With community leaders, educators, and families in Buckingham all echoing the urgency of this issue, the town faces a challenge in combating the rise in teenage vaping. While enforcement and education efforts are ramping up, many argue that greater government action and awareness campaigns are needed to truly address the root causes.
