Children as young as 12 years old are given nicotine patches by school in an attempt to help them quit smoking, according to the Daily Mail.
These efforts are a part of a national bid that encourages young children to refrain from smoking. Health advisers are being asked to visit schools and conduct 'Support to Stop Smoking' sessions and initiatives with these children. In the session, children between the age of 12 and 17 are provided with vouchers that they can use to 'purchase' nicotine replacement products including patches and lozenges.
Becky Pollard, director of public health at the National Health Service North Somerset, said: "We are delighted that the schools are committed to providing this valuable service. Young people can become addicted to tobacco very easily, and this can affect their ability to concentrate, as well as lead them to smoke on site and can result to in smoking-related exclusions."
"Smoke-free North Somerset works closely with schools providing programs that prevent the uptake of smoking in young people and supporting schools to support young people who smoke. The service is based on behavioral support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) which is available for young people aged 12 and over as recommended in the NICE guidance," she added.
As of late, three schools have already signed up for the initiative, namely, Nailsea School, Gordano School in Portishead and Hans Price Academy in Weston-super-Mare. Other than nicotine therapy, students and teachers also work together in learning about the possible dangers of smoking, according to Telegraph.
"If we can intervene early and stop children from developing a smoking habit it will prevent problems in the long term, not only for their health but also for the NHS. Also if children are in class and craving a cigarette, they will not be concentrating on the work they are supposed to be doing," said Councilor Reyna Knight, assistant executive member for public health at North Somerset said.
