Latvian schools struggle to curb student vaping as data remain scarce

Student vaping is widespread at some Latvian schools, but the Health Ministry says there is not enough data to assess how common it is nationwide. LSM reports that schools are searching for e-cigarettes while authorities grapple with illegal sales.

At Carnikava Secondary School, principal Raivis Pauls said conventional cigarettes had become rare among pupils, while e-cigarettes were common. The school searches places including suspended ceilings in toilets and behind specially designed bins. Since Pauls took over in 2020, enrolment has more than doubled, from about 400 pupils to around 900.

Parliament has banned the sale of tobacco substitute products containing flavourings. The Health Ministry says sales restrictions are meeting their aim, but cooperation with police remains a barrier to more effective enforcement. The ministry also says there is insufficient information to draw firm conclusions about e-cigarette use among pupils.

The article says young people also use other nicotine products and often obtain illegal products online. A child psychiatrist cited peer influence as a reason young people smoke, while a psychologist said many want to quit and families need to take on much of the responsibility. One school director suggested nicotine screening tests as a possible response.

The head of the OPEN Creative Centre said even primary-school-age children are involved in illegal sales. Police say the illegal market can be limited but not eliminated. The number of violations involving the possession of tobacco and nicotine products is rising.