Smoking, Vaping and Alcohol

Staff and visitors are not permitted to smoke or vape in front of children. Homes may have a designated area, where staff may smoke and vape.

Staff should ensure that children are educated about smoking including vaping. It is accepted that the more that young people know, the more likely they are to make good decisions about how to deal with vaping, smoking, drinking and the misuse of drugs / substances. Good communication ensures the right messages and information are passed on.

In 2023, nearly 8% of 11 to 17 year olds vape according to figures from an online survey of 2000 children by health charity ASH [Action on Smoking and Health], this is up from 4% in 2020.

It is thought that 20% of children over 12 years of age have tried vaping with cheap brightly coloured disposable vapes driving up the increase. Older teenagers are more likely to have tried vaping or be current vapours. Vaping is now twice as common as smoking among children. An estimated 5 million disposable vapes are thrown away each week in the UK.

Children's doctors say vaping may cause long term damage to children's lungs, hearts and brains. Vapour inhaled contains a small amount of chemicals including the addictive substance nicotine.

More research is still needed to fully understand the health effects of vaping.

At AWW, we recognise that some of our children may already smoke or vape before they come to live with us. Therefore, we support and encourage children to reduce or stop vaping and smoking. We work closely with our Health and Wellbeing team to ensure that plans are in place for children and that support is available which may include:

• Education around smoking and vaping;
• Focused conversations between children and their carers;
• Handing in of vapes / cigarettes / lighters or matches;
• Vaping or cigarette reduction programme in place which will be regularly reviewed with children;
• Smoking or vaping cessation service through the child’s GP or LAC nurse;
• In house and external training workshops for staff and (where appropriate) children;
• Smoking and vaping will be discussed with the child’s social worker and addressed as part of the young person's Plan For Care.

Where there is an agreement for a child to continue to vape or smoke, AWW will store and manage the smoking materials. This must be done with specific Risk Management Plans which are individual to the child. These Risk Management Plans must be agreed with the child, respective LA social worker and the Registered Service Manager and kept under regular review.

It is an offence for shops to sell e-cigarettes to under 18s or for an adult to buy e-cigarettes for children.

Staff are not permitted purchase vapes, cigarettes, tobacco, or the materials for making or lighting cigarettes or tobacco to children

Staff are never permitted to buy smoking materials for a child.

See: Rules about Tobacco, E-Cigarettes and Smoking (GOV.UK).

For more information, please see: Electronic Cigarettes – Evidence and Advice on e-cigarettes (GOV.UK).

The Home should be an alcohol-free zone; alcohol should not be brought or kept on the premises and children should not normally be taken into licensed premises, unless it is part of a clear plan leading toward independence or on a special occasion; e.g. A celebration meal at a hotel or similar venue. In any case, children will not be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.

Staff are not permitted to consume alcohol whilst on duty and should not arrive at work under the influence of alcohol.

Staff should ensure that children are educated about alcohol and its effects.

If staff are concerned that a child has been drinking alcohol, this should be raised with the Home's manager and the child's social worker/ parent as required.

Where it becomes evident, or it is suspected, that a child has been drinking alcohol, staff should in all cases consult with a GP or contact NHS 111 for further advice. This may include, such as offering water, regular checks to monitor the child’s safety and wellbeing. Staff should follow the advice provided. If more concerned about a child’s intoxication staff should consider seeking support from the emergency services or taking the child to an A&E department. The potential of alcohol poisoning should be kept in mind and treated seriously.

Useful Websites

Drinkaware

Alcohol, Young People and the Law (GOV.UK)