Back-to-School alert: UAE schools step up fight against rising teen vaping

As students return to classrooms after the summer break on Monday, schools and doctors are raising alarms over a troubling trend: a reported rise in vaping among teenagers in the UAE. With vapes now cleverly disguised as everyday items and myths still circulating about their safety, educators are adopting proactive measures while health experts stress the serious risks.

James McDonald, Principal CEO, GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah, said the issue is being addressed through a “whole-school approach” that unites parents, staff, and students.
“Teachers are present in corridors during lesson transitions, support staff monitor bathrooms, and supervision is maintained throughout break times. Heads of Year lead assemblies that foster open, honest dialogue with students, while parents receive practical advice and resources via newsletters.”

The school hosts workshops focused on mental health, well-being, resilience, and healthy living, supported by experts who provide peer-to-peer guidance.

One of the challenges schools face is the growing sophistication of vaping devices, which are now disguised as everyday items.

“Vapes are often designed to resemble USB drives, pens, or cosmetic products, making them difficult to spot. To address this, all staff receive targeted training and visual resources to help identify various vape designs, as well as guidance on how to approach sensitive conversations with students when a vape is suspected. Regular communication with parents ensures they’re informed and vigilant.”

At Credence High School, CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh said recent incidents in UAE schools have prompted stricter vigilance and disciplinary measures.
“Our staff are trained to identify vapes during bag checks and in high-risk areas like restrooms and buses. Vaping is often fuelled by peer pressure, social media marketing, and the myth that it is ‘safer’ than smoking. Unfortunately, some parents also believe this misconception,” she said.

To counter this, Credence has rolled out a ‘three-point action plan’ covering detection, myth-busting, and partnership with parents.
“We’re working directly with families through awareness workshops and counselling to ensure everyone understands the real dangers. Together, we can protect our students’ wellbeing and curb this harmful trend,” Singh added.

Doctors, meanwhile, noted a growing number of teens reporting health issues linked to vaping.
“The trend of vape use is rising among teenagers in the UAE,” Dr Sumit Lakhanpal, Specialist Paediatrics at Aster Clinic, Liwan, Dubai, said, noting that nicotine and flavouring agents in vapes can have damaging effects on young lungs.
“More teens who use e-cigarette or vape are presenting with chronic cough, wheeze and breathing difficulties. This is related to the side effects of nicotine and other additives that affect lung and airway health, leading to diseases like bronchitis.”

Flavoured varieties like mango, vanilla, and mint make vaping more attractive to teens, but they also increase the risk of early addiction.
“Many teens don’t realise how soon they become addicted to it. Vaping also increases the likelihood of future cigarette smoking,” Dr Lakhanpal said.
He added that some teenagers turn to vaping to cope with exam stress, peer influence, or family pressures, while parents mistakenly assume it is a safe alternative to smoking.

Dr Lakhanpal underlined that the long-term impact of vaping on physical and mental health is still being studied, but the addiction itself is undeniable.
“Parents facing the challenges of their teen getting addicted to vaping should speak to their doctor for support and guidance,” Dr Lakhanpal advised.