Frome College has announced a big crack down on vaping around the school grounds, following new reports on the health risks of vapes.

The College has been holding a number of assemblies and tutor sessions on the dangers of vaping. Now the Principal has sent a letter to parents and carers asking for their support as the College installs sensors around the school to alert them if a pupil is using a vape.

The letter urges parents and carers to talk to children about the dangers of vaping and the related health implications and to report any concerns concerning the illegal sale of vapes to Avon and Somerset police at https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/ •

According to The Independent newspaper, nationally, the number of children trying vaping has risen by 50% in the last year, experimental vaping among 11- to 17-year-olds, rose rom 7.7% last year to 11.6% this year.

Meantime the concern about health risks of vaping continue to grow. A study on the dangers of vaping was released on BBC News on May 23 showing confiscated vapes contained high levels of lead, nickel and chromium. This BBC report stated that "In 'highlighter vapes'- designed with bright colours to look like highlighter pens (like in the Frome Nub News photo taken on the way towards College last week) scientists found lead - 12 micrograms per gram, 2.4 times the stipulated safe exposure level • nickel - 9.6 times safe levels • chromium - 6.6 times safe levels.

Anti vaping measures taken by Frome College include :

• Installing sensors around college in order to increase detection.

• Lessons and assemblies on the dangers of the use of vapes .

• Work with young people and families to provide support and signpost external assistance wherever necessary, particularly where individuals are seeking to quit.