DSM Foundation and University of Bath Collaborate to Tackle Risks of Spice in UK Schools
London, UK – The DSM Foundation, a drugs education charity, has joined forces with the University of Bath to address the alarming discovery that one in six confiscated vapes from UK schools contained the illegal and dangerous drug known as Spice.
In response to this concerning finding, the DSM Foundation has developed an innovative training resource aimed at helping school and college staff identify and address the issue. This collaboration comes at a crucial time, with the disposable vape ban in the UK set to take effect on June 1, leading to a potential increase in the use of reusable devices among young people.
Spice, a potent and highly addictive synthetic cannabinoid, poses significant risks to school children, who are more vulnerable to its dangerous effects due to their developing bodies and lack of prior exposure. It is important to note that Spice is only present in refillable vapes, not single-use devices.
The newly launched training package provides essential information in a concise and accessible format. In just 15 minutes, school staff can learn how to identify vapes containing THC/cannabis or Spice, understand the legal implications for students in possession of such devices, and recognize the signs of use. The training film, specifically designed for integration into training sessions or staff meetings, equips educators with practical knowledge to safeguard students.
To further support this initiative, a printable identification poster is also available for display in staff rooms. While useful on its own, it is most effective when combined with the training video, reinforcing key insights and supporting proactive measures against the dangers of exposure to Spice and THC/cannabis.
The University of Bath’s Professor Christopher Pudney, who led the original research into vapes confiscated by schools, expressed concern about the presence of Spice in vapes sold to young people. “Our analysis shows that young people are being sold ‘cannabis’ vapes, but are actually getting spice. This poses an extremely high risk of immediate and long-term health harm,” he said. “This resource will enable staff who work with young people to identify e-cigarettes of concern, understand the risks, and know where to seek support and more information.”
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, founder and director of the DSM Foundation, emphasized the urgency of integrating this issue into core delivery to young people, parents, caregivers, and professionals. “The ban on disposables has heightened the need for measures to support schools, despite being a positive move for young people in general,” she said. “This joint initiative reflects our commitment to protecting young people from the risks associated with illicit substances by ensuring that educators are empowered to respond effectively.”
The training materials can be downloaded free of charge from the DSM Foundation’s website at https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/product-category/dsmf_pshe_resources/.
About the DSM Foundation:
The DSM Foundation is a drug education charity established in 2014 following the death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy. The foundation aims to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information about drugs so they can make informed and safe decisions. The charity works in almost 750 schools, colleges, and community organizations, providing workshops for parents and caregivers and training for school and college staff. They also offer a verbatim play, “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” and age-appropriate, evidence-based drugs education lesson resources for teachers to use in PSHE/PSE provision.
For more information about the DSM Foundation, visit their website at https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/.
Media Contact:
media@dsmfoundation.org.uk
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