Survey shows fewer under 18s are vaping, smoking and drinking in Trafford

Trading Standards North West collated anonymous responses from a total of 557 under 18 via schools in the borough to gather key insights into health-harming behaviours.

While there was a reduction in underage vaping, smoking and drinking, many young people claimed to have bought items from local shops.

Trafford Council continues to work with businesses, schools and enforcement partners to tackle illegal sales and protect young people from harm, taking action against perpetrators where necessary.

The in-depth questionnaire revealed a fall in the percentage of young people claiming to have tried vapes to 16% compared with 22% in 2023 when the survey was last conducted. They mostly obtained vapes from their friends or from shops.

Tobacco and shisha smoking is at an all-time low with fewer than 1% saying they smoked cigarettes daily and a similar proportion claiming to have tried shisha smoking.

Numbers of under 18s saying they never drank alcohol was at its highest level and of those who did drink, three quarters said they did it when their parents or family were around – with the majority getting alcohol from their parents and a quarter buying it for themselves.

Asking young people about knives, the poll revealed that while only a small percentage had tried to buy a knife, those who did were successful in 3 out of 5 instances. Under 18s were only asked for proof of age half the time in shops or online.

A quarter claimed they wanted a knife for protection or self defence and 1 in 10 claimed to have witnessed an incident involving knives.

Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s executive member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:

“While there are some positives in this survey, more can still be done to support traders to be aware of their responsibilities, to enforce the law and to stop sales of vapes and knives to young people from taking place."

Young people who regularly vape can get one-on-one support via Trafford’s School Health team. Referrals can be made by parents and carers, young people themselves, or professionals via their school nurse or school.

If a young person is using an unregulated vape, smoking tobacco, or using alcohol or other drugs, then Trafford’s substance misuse organisation Early Break can provide support on 0161 723 3880.

Over the past year, Early Break, in partnership with Trafford Council's School Health team, delivered 26 education sessions in schools, speaking to more than 1,600 pupils about the harms of vaping and substance misuse.

Cllr Jane Slater, Executive Member for Healthy & Independent Lives at Trafford Council, said:

"It's encouraging to see fewer young people in Trafford reporting that they vape, smoke or drink alcohol. These findings reflect the positive work taking place across our communities to support children and young people to make healthier choices.

"Supporting healthy and independent lives for everyone is one of Trafford Council's key priorities, and helping young people to develop healthy habits from an early age is an important part of that."