An anti-vaping initiative in which children were shown images of young people in hospital because of the habit has led to a reduction in school exclusions.

Fortismere School, Gladesmore School, Park View School, Heartlands School, and Hornsey School for Girls teamed up with Haringey Council between July 2023 and May 2024 to create ‘school superzones’ to tackle vaping.

Working in partnership with the Mayor of London and support service Insight Platform, each school took part in work to tackle vaping in young people.

A case study from one school showed a reduction in the numbers of students excluded due to vaping.

Insight Platform held assemblies reaching almost 4,000 students.

One school student who attended an assembly said: “I was shocked by some of the photos of young people in hospital after vaping. I have decided it is not worth it.”

Insight Platform has also supported 56 young people with their vaping usage following referrals from schools.

Haringey’s Trading Standards team targeted traders within 400 metres of the school superzones, and disposed of over 500kg of non-compliant vapes seized from traders over the past 18 months.

Cllr Lucia das Neves, Haringey Council cabinet member for health, social care, and wellbeing, said: “We’re extremely proud of this cross-cutting and collaborative work that has listened to young people's experiences and will help them change their views when it comes to vaping, as well as protect their health and wellbeing.”

Joanne McCartney, London’s Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, said: “It’s important that we work together to improve the health of our young people, and this School Superzones project in Haringey is a great example of what can be achieved.”