AQW 10462/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 19/04/2024
Answered On Date: 29/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail his plans to address the issue of vaping in schools.

Answer:

The issue of vaping is primarily a public health matter. As such, my department will follow appropriate guidance from the Department of Health / Public Health Agency on this issue.

As part of the statutory curriculum for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) at primary level and Learning for Life and Work (LLW), Personal Development (PD) strand at post-primary level – schools have a duty to deliver drugs education (including legal and illegal substances). This should raise awareness amongst children of the risks / dangers associated with vaping.

Furthermore, there is a statutory duty on schools to both promote positive behavior and have relevant policies in place on issues such as drug misuse. Should they require, schools have the flexibility to work directly with the PHA and other organisations to provide learning opportunities in support of delivery of the curriculum.