By Neil Trainis

The number of school children taking drugs and smoking cigarettes in England fell over a three-year period although vaping increased, according to the latest official statistics.

A report by NHS Digital revealed three per cent of 11 to 15-year-olds smoked in 2021 compared with five per cent in 2018 while 12 per cent said they had smoked at one time compared with 16 per cent three years earlier.

The number of pupils taking drugs also fell, with 18 per cent saying they had done so at one time compared with 24 per cent in 2018 while 12 per cent said they had taken drugs in the last 12 months compared with 17 per cent three years earlier.

However, there was an increase in vaping among secondary school pupils, with nine per cent using e-cigarettes compared with six per cent in 2018.

The report said regular smokers who also vape regularly more than doubled during that time and 18 per cent of all 15-year-olds were using e-cigarettes in 2021. The number of 15-year-old girls who vaped increased from 10 per cent in 2018 to 21 per cent.

Cannabis was most likely to be taken by pupils. Six per cent said they had taken it last year compared with 8 per cent in 2018 while pupils who said they had taken Class A drugs has remained at around three per cent since 2010.

The proportion of pupils who said they drank alcohol at least once a week – six per cent – remained the same between 2018 and last year. Six per cent said they drank alone, an increase on three per cent in 2018.

Poor mental health appeared to be a driving factor behind pupils’ drinking and drug-taking. A low level of “life satisfaction” was experienced by 57 per cent who had smoked, drank and taken drugs.