Students take leading role in local drive against e-cigarettes
A new film made with Bradford pupils has been unveiled as part of Catch Your Breath, a local campaign aiming to reduce vaping among children and teenagers across the city.
The project is run jointly by Bradford City FC Community Foundation and Bradford Council. Research linked to the campaign indicates the proportion of young people vaping in Bradford is 9% higher than the national average, a statistic the partners say underpins the need for targeted prevention work in schools and community settings.
Peers on screen, pupils in the audience
The latest film features students from Oasis Academy Lister Park, including performing arts pupils who appear on camera and classmates who watched it at a special school assembly. The screening was followed by a question-and-answer session with council staff, providing pupils with an opportunity to ask directly about the risks and local support available.
- Participants were primarily in Year 9 and Year 10.
- The film highlights both health risks and the social pressures that can lead to nicotine use.
- Previous videos in the programme have been shown at locations across Bradford.
"I know some people that do vape, but I've never wanted to snitch on them. I'm trying to see what I can do to help because I know how bad it can be,"
The comment came from one of the pupils who took part in the film. Young people involved described the experience as "amazing", and campaign organisers say using peers in the material helps make the message more relevant and relatable.
Local context and next steps
Public health teams have raised concern about rising e-cigarette use among children nationally and locally. In Bradford, partners are combining media, school-based education and community outreach to try to curb uptake and to ensure young people and families know where to seek help if needed.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campaign | Catch Your Breath |
| Partners | Bradford City FC Community Foundation; Bradford Council |
| Local finding | Young people vaping: 9% above national average |
For Bradford residents, the campaign underlines two immediate implications: schools will continue to be focal points for prevention activity, and families are being urged to talk with pupils about the health consequences and the social dynamics that can normalise vaping. City public health officials say the films will remain part of a broader package of measures aimed at reversing the upward trend in youth e-cigarette use.
