Teachers, parents back measures to protect children from vaping

Teachers and parents are backing the measures to protect children from vaping as the government is clamping down on the activity nationwide by placing restrictions on the import of vaping products.

Principal of the Bihsop’s High School, Shandrina Welcome-Lee, has welcomed President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali’s announcement as a positive move in the right direction, noting the years of challenges the school administrators have faced with the use of these products by students.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Welcome-Lee described the announcement as “a breath of fresh air,” noting that efforts to discourage students from vaping were sometimes undermined by the perception that the products were not illegal.

The principal said schools must continue educating students and parents about the risks associated with vaping.

Bishop’s High School Teacher, Miss Damon, said she is supportive of the move because of the benefits it will have on the school’s population.

She said that they must ensure school rules clearly outline consequences for students who breach them.

St John’s High School Teacher, Nicole Nero, also welcomed the measure, saying it could help reduce behavioural challenges in schools and address concerns about the accessibility of vaping products among children.

She called for greater scrutiny of vendors who continue to sell the products to underage children, stressing that enforcement must extend beyond the school environment.

Meanwhile, Teacher Denesha Glasgow expressed concern about the potential effects of vaping on students’ thinking and academic performance. She supported stronger measures to prevent the products from entering the country and reaching children.

Some parents have also welcomed the announcement, while stressing the need for effective implementation and monitoring.

“It’s a good initiative by the President. But we have to ensure we enforce the system and put things in place to ensure that it’s eliminated,” parent Christopher Persaud said.

Another parent, Roy Mascoe, supported the restrictions and questioned how compliance would be monitored, particularly to prevent underage children from purchasing vaping products from shops.

President Ali announced the restrictions on Saturday, citing concerns about the increasing accessibility and use of vaping products among children and young people, particularly within the school system.

The order, to be signed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, will prohibit the importation of vaping products except those approved by the Minister of Health or the relevant tobacco control authorities.

The measure follows concerns raised by parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members about the availability and use of vaping products among young people.

It is intended to restrict the importation of products for recreational use while allowing for approved medicinal, therapeutic, or other legitimate applications, subject to the relevant authorities.

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