Schools struggle to stamp out vaping

Donatus Secondary School in Otjiwarongo told lawmakers this week that disposable vaping devices, commonly known as “choefs”, pose an increasing problem, with vapes regularly confiscated. In some cases, the school has sought police assistance during confiscations and investigations.

The disclosure was made during a visit by the National Council standing committee on health, social welfare and labour affairs this week, which is conducting a fact-finding mission into the increasing use of vaping and nicotine products among learners.

After visits to schools in the northern regions, the committee is currently engaging schools in the Otjozondjupa region and will conclude its tour in Omaheke before compiling a report for parliament.

Speaking during the visit, Donatus Secondary School principal Udo Behnke said vaping has become a recurring disciplinary issue at the school.

"We deal with these cases every two to three weeks," Behnke told the committee.

The school has not experienced cases involving hubbly (hookah) devices but has instead seen learners increasingly using disposable vaping devices because they are easier to conceal and more difficult to detect.

Behnke said learners often describe vaping as something that "makes us feel good" or "makes us feel cool", with many taking it up because it is popular among their peers.

"They can buy it anywhere," Behnke said.

"The devices are being sold around town, and the access is there. Hopefully we get a law that has real consequences," he said.

Broader responsibility

Behnke said schools cannot address the problem alone.

He claimed that some parents unknowingly – or in some cases knowingly – provide children with money to buy the vapes.

"When you ask where they get the money, some say they get it from their parents. That makes it very difficult because then you need the parents to be part of the solution," he said.

"The kids spend most of their time at home with their parents. We need that support from parents because they ought to know what is going on," he said.

While school rules prohibit learners from bringing vaping devices onto school premises, Behnke said stronger national measures may be needed to reduce their availability.

Standing committee chairperson Joseph Sikongo said the parliamentary inquiry aims to establish how widespread vaping has become among young people and where they are obtaining the products.

"We want your indulgence to give us information so that it helps us write a report that will be tabled in parliament and influence policies and eventually make a law that can perhaps prohibit or regulate these smoking-related products that are mushrooming among our youngsters," Sikongo said.

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