The rise of vaping in schools in Hampshire is causing concern. New figures from NHS Digital show a decrease in numbers of school children taking drugs and smoking cigarettes but a rise in vaping, with nine per cent of 11-to-15 year olds currently using e-cigarettes.

Hampshire Safe says that vapes can be used to lure young people into a habit that can ultimately lead to the use of illegal drugs. It also makes clear that the long-term health effects of vaping are unknown and that many devices contain nicotine, which is proven to be harmful.

University College London (UCL) research estimates that there are 74,000 e-cigarette and vape users aged 16 to 17 in England alone.

Many users have begun to show symptoms of bleeding gums, sore throats and other health problems.

A spokesman said: “Vaping is increasing among school-aged children. It is often seen as a risk-free habit. We want to nip this in the bud before it becomes a major issue.

“We want to make children aware of the dangers, but importantly we want to make parents aware too.

“These are not like cigarettes that can be easily smelled and many parents won’t know that their children are vaping.

“Those people who sell vapes to schoolchildren might further sell them cigarettes or drugs so it is best that they never vape in the first place.

“One difficulty for schools is that vaping is cheap and the vapes themselves are easy to conceal.

“We have been in liaison with the police who have told us what they are doing to help ensure shops don’t sell vapes to youngsters.

“Our schools are continuing to educate the children and we have resources available to help drive home the message.”