DSM Foundation and University of Bath Collaborate to Tackle Vaping and Spice Use in UK Schools
In response to recent findings that one in six confiscated vapes from UK schools contained the illegal and dangerous drug Spice, the DSM Foundation has collaborated with the University of Bath to produce an innovative training resource aimed at helping school and college staff identify and address the issue. The training package, launched on Friday 23 May, 2025, will provide essential information to educators, as the UK’s disposable vape ban is set to come into effect on June 1.
The research conducted by the University of Bath revealed that Spice, a potent and highly addictive synthetic cannabinoid, was present in only refillable vapes, not single-use devices. This poses a significant risk to school children, whose developing bodies and lack of prior exposure make them more vulnerable to its dangerous effects. With the disposable vape ban approaching, it is anticipated that the use of reusable devices among young people will increase, making this training resource even more crucial.
The training package, a collaboration between the DSM Foundation and the University of Bath, provides essential information in a concise, accessible format. In just 15 minutes, school staff can learn how to identify vapes containing THC/cannabis or Spice, understand the legal implications for a student who is in possession of such a device, and recognize the signs of use. The training film, designed for integration into training sessions or staff meetings, ensures educators are equipped with practical knowledge to safeguard students. Additionally, a printable identification poster is available for staff room walls, serving as a quick reference guide when combined with the training video.
Professor Christopher Pudney, who led the original research into vapes confiscated by schools at the University of Bath, stated, “Spice is an extremely potent and addictive drug, typically found in the prison system. Our analysis of vapes confiscated by schools shows that young people are being sold ‘cannabis’ vapes, but in fact are getting spice, and we are concerned that this may become more widespread if young people swap disposable vapes – which they won’t be able to obtain – for refillables. Spice use presents an extremely high risk of immediate and long-term health harm. This resource will enable staff who work with young people to identify e-cigarettes of concern, understand the risks and where to seek support and more information.”
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, founder and director of the DSM Foundation, added, “Spice isn’t something we’ve needed to talk about in schools since the law changed in 2016, taking so-called ‘legal highs’ off the high streets. But the need to integrate this into our core delivery to young people, parents, caregivers, and professionals has grown rapidly in the last couple of years. Chris’s work has reinforced the importance of this, and the ban on disposables has heightened the urgency to put measures in place to support schools. 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 DSM Foundation, a drug education charity established in 2014 following the death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from an accidental overdose of ecstasy, aims to provide young people with relevant, age-appropriate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information about drugs. The foundation currently works with over 750 schools, colleges, and community organizations to educate children and young people on drug safety. They also provide workshops for parents and caregivers and training for school and college staff. Schools and colleges can access a verbatim play about Dan’s story, entitled “I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die,” as well as age-appropriate, relevant, up-to-date, and evidence-based drugs education lesson resources for free from the foundation’s website.
For more information about the DSM Foundation, please visit their website at https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/. Media inquiries about this press release or the work of the foundation can be sent to media@dsmfoundation.org.uk.
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