Abstract
Experimentation with e-cigarettes has grown rapidly among UK adolescents. To date, this topic has been primarily researched in secondary schools, with less understanding of development of attitudes and behaviours at an earlier age. This research reports qualitative data from interviews with pupils, parents, and teachers at 4 case study schools in Wales (N = 42). It draws on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to consider how the intersection of systems surrounding primary school-age children and their interaction with these systems, shape knowledge, and attitudes towards e-cigarettes and tobacco. Findings indicate that consistent messaging on smoking from school and family was reflected in strong disapproval among pupils and clear understanding of harms. This was less evident for e-cigarettes, where messages were mixed and inconsistent between home and school, with concerns over what to tell children about e-cigarettes in light of mixed messages and absence of official guidance. Implications of findings for policy and teaching are discussed.
Highlights
E-cigarette use has risen globally among adults,[1] including in the United Kingdom where there are an estimated 3.6 million adult users compared with 700 000 in 2010.2 To date, growth has been predominantly among current or ex-smokers, and underage use remains low, with 1.7% of 11- to 18-year-olds reporting weekly use.[3]
While there is extensive research on teenage e-cigarette and tobacco use, including the role of family behaviour and peer norms in the uptake of adolescent smoking,[9] few studies to date have considered the views of primary schoolchildren
Schools are referred to throughout as A to D, and their key characteristics are summarised below, from public information and from researcher reflections following visits: School A is in an area of low socio-economic status and has a high Free School Meals (FSM) rate
Summary
E-cigarette use has risen globally among adults,[1] including in the United Kingdom where there are an estimated 3.6 million adult users compared with 700 000 in 2010.2 To date, growth has been predominantly among current or ex-smokers, and underage use remains low, with 1.7% of 11- to 18-year-olds reporting weekly use.[3]. Ecological Systems Theory[10] provides a tool to frame such an exploration
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