GEMS Education has today announced a landmark zero-tolerance campaign against vaping, reinforcing its commitment to student health and wellbeing.
Recognising vaping as a growing global health menace, GEMS Education is taking proactive, meaningful action to combat its rising prevalence among young people with a focus on re-educating students on the dangers of the practice and nicotine addiction.
As part of the initiative, the region’s leading private education provider will install state-of-the-art vaping detection sensors in schools, including the newly launched GEMS School of Research and Innovation opening in August 2025. GEMS Education will be the first major school group to implement such technology.
The initiative, which will include random bag checks, aligns with GEMS’ mission to provide students with safe, healthy, and positive learning environments free from harmful substances.
Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, said: “Vaping is one of the most pressing health threats facing young people today. At GEMS Education, we refuse to stand by and let this dangerous trend take hold in our schools. Students found with vapes in our schools will receive a serious consequence and follow-up education sessions with counsellors to support them in quitting vaping.
“By installing cutting-edge vaping sensors across campuses, we are setting a new standard in student protection. This is not just about enforcement; it is about education, prevention, and ensuring our students understand the risks associated with vaping. We are very proud to be leading the way in making our schools vape-free zones.”
The sensors will be installed in strategic hotspot locations in GEMS schools, providing real-time alerts to school administrators and enabling swift action when vaping is detected. These sensors, which are highly sensitive and tamper-resistant, can distinguish between vaping and other airborne particles, ensuring accurate reporting and response.
They also have an audio function that can alert relevant staff to potential issues, picking up certain words that indicate cause for concern such as ‘help’.
In addition to the random bag checks, sensors, and extra vigilance by school staff around targeted areas, GEMS is ramping up student and parent awareness campaigns, incorporating anti-vaping education into the curriculum, and working closely with health professionals to provide support for students who may be struggling with nicotine addiction.
Lisa Crausby added: “This initiative goes beyond banning vaping; it is equipping our students with the knowledge and resilience to make better choices for their health. We are committed to working with our parents, educators, and the wider community to ensure that our young people grow up in a clean environment and prioritise their wellbeing.”
As the first major education group to implement such comprehensive anti-vaping measures, GEMS is setting a powerful example for schools worldwide. With student health and safety at the forefront of its mission, the initiative underscores GEMS’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of its learners.
