The Mancunian Way: Collapsing kids

"A child somewhere in this country is going to die because of a vape. It’s only a matter of time."

It's a stark warning, but it could save children's lives, one Greater Manchester headteacher believes.

A couple of months ago, we took a look in this newsletter at just how easy it is to get your hands on illegal and potentially dangerous vapes following an M.E.N investigation. Now, health reporter Helena Vesty has spoken to Westhoughton High School head Neil Coe after four different pupils at the same school were admitted to hospital.

The youngsters had all inhaled vapes thought to have been 'spiked' with dangerous substances, including THC and spice. And Mr Coe believes the situation in our schools is bleaker than ever.

He told Helena that pupils are so desperate to use their vapes that he's had to post teachers outside bathrooms around the clock in an attempt to block the youngsters. Even then, he says, it's 'almost impossible' for teachers to stop the habit.

The concern is rising across the country. The government has announced that it is planning to introduce a ban on the sale of disposable vapes in England, Scotland and Wales.

The measure, which is expected to come into force at the end of 2024 or the start of 2025, is designed to tackle the rise in young people vaping. But existing laws are already being flouted.

Mr Coe also spoke of his fears that parents are supplying their children with vape pens - but wonders if it is better than them sourcing their own, potentially illegitimate, vapes.

“It's an awful dilemma for schools,” Helena writes. “Should they stand back as parents buy these products for their children, or leave them to the alternative - where youngsters try to get hold of vapes themselves - opening them