Tower Hamlets councillors are grappling with a significant rise in youth vaping and substance misuse, with particular alarm raised over the presence of e-cigarettes in and around schools.
During a meeting of the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Monday, July 13, 2026, Councillor Victoria Lupton highlighted the issue, stating that many parents are concerned about young people vaping at school. Corporate Director Steve Reddy acknowledged this as a significant problem,
noting that while vaping is often presented as a safer alternative to smoking, it is detrimental for those who do not smoke.
He added that starting smoking vapes, it can be very negative
for young people who do not smoke, and that the risks for children who might vape then accessing other substances is a real risk.
Mr. Reddy explained that public health teams, schools, trading standards, and the police are collaborating to address the issue. Schools are really trying to ensure they can crack down on that and make sure that children are not using vapes in or around or outside of school.
Public health teams and the council are working hard on that.
Additionally, trading standards in the council as well and our police colleagues can help us by challenging people selling vapes illegally to underage children as well.
Concerns were also raised by Councillor Sadiqur Rahman regarding corner shops selling vapes and potentially other substances like CBD to underage children.
In response to these concerns, the committee discussed the possibility of bringing a briefing report to a future meeting to detail the extent of vaping and substance misuse among young people and the strategies being employed to tackle it. This report would also explore potential national policy changes that could assist in addressing the problem. The full agenda and related documents for the meeting can be found on the council's democracy portal, including the Public reports pack.
