20th March 2026
The Scottish Government's new national guidance states clearly that vaping should not be allowed in schools under any circumstances.
This applies to:
all pupils, including S6 pupils aged 18 who can legally buy vapes
all school grounds
all school‑related activities off‑site (trips, events, transport)
The message is simple: vapes, nicotine products, alcohol, and illegal drugs are all inappropriate in a school setting, regardless of age.
Schools Must Handle Confiscated Vapes Safely
The guidance highlights legal and safety responsibilities around confiscated vapes, especially because many contain lithium batteries.
Schools are instructed to:
store confiscated vapes safely
dispose of them according to local health & safety procedures
consult Police Scotland where appropriate
This is a notable shift: vapes are now treated not just as a behaviour issue, but as a hazardous waste issue.
Why the Guidance Was Introduced
The Scottish Government cites "emerging concerns" about vaping among young people.
Evidence from the Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research 2023 shows:
vaping is now more common than smoking among adolescents
schools are reporting rising incidents of vape use
some vapes confiscated in UK schools have been found to contain synthetic drugs such as spice (University of Bath study, 2025)
This aligns with what many Scottish teachers have been reporting for years.
Detection & Prevention Measures
Some schools already use:
vape detectors in toilets
strengthened behaviour policies
joint work with NHS health educators
The guidance encourages all schools to adopt consistent, whole‑school approaches to discourage vaping and other substance use.
Reactions from Schools & Unions
School leaders
Headteachers welcomed the clarity, saying it reinforces existing policies and supports health‑education work with NHS partners.
Teaching unions
NASUWT and others say:
guidance is welcome
but implementation is inconsistent across Scotland
teachers have not been given extra time, resources, or funding to enforce the new rules
behaviour issues, including vaping, remain a major challenge in many schools
They argue that guidance alone is not enough without system‑wide support.
Political Response
Opposition politicians criticised the government for acting too slowly, arguing that:
vaping has been "rife in schools for ages"
the industry clearly targets young people with bright colours, sweet flavours, and eye‑catching designs
They support the ban but want stronger national action on youth vaping.
Overall Summary
The Scottish Government's new guidance:
bans vaping entirely in all school settings
requires safe disposal of confiscated vapes
emphasises consistent behaviour policies
responds to rising youth vaping and safety concerns
is welcomed by schools but criticised for lacking resources and slow action
It forms part of a wider package of behaviour‑related guidance, including new anti‑racism and behaviour‑management documents.
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