The UAE’s largest school network has launched a comprehensive zero-tolerance campaign against vaping, introducing a series of new initiatives, including random bag checks and incorporating anti-vaping education into the curriculum.
These efforts reflect GEMS Education’s renewed dedication to creating a safe, healthy, and positive environment for students, free from harmful substances. The initiative is in response to the growing global health concern of vaping and aims to combat its increasing presence among young people.
Focus on Education and Awareness
The main goal of the campaign is to re-educate students about the dangers of vaping and the risks of nicotine addiction. As part of the initiative, schools will also install state-of-the-art vaping detection sensors, including in the soon-to-be-opened GEMS School of Research and Innovation in August 2025. 
Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, stated: “Vaping is one of the most urgent health threats facing young people today. We refuse to stand by and let this dangerous trend continue in our schools. Students found with vapes will face serious consequences and follow-up educational sessions with counselors to help them quit vaping.”
“We are setting a new standard in student protection by installing advanced vaping sensors across our campuses. This approach is not just about enforcement; it’s about prevention, education, and ensuring our students fully understand the risks associated with vaping. We are proud to lead the way in making our schools vape-free zones.”
Monitoring Students and Ensuring Safety
The installation of vaping detection sensors will take place in key hotspot areas across the schools. These sensors provide real-time alerts to school administrators, ensuring prompt action when vaping is detected.
The sensors are highly sensitive and tamper-resistant, capable of distinguishing vaping from other airborne particles, allowing for precise identification and intervention. In addition, the sensors feature an audio function that can detect words like “help,” alerting staff to any potential concerns.
Along with the random bag checks, sensor monitoring, and increased staff vigilance in targeted areas, GEMS Education is ramping up efforts to raise awareness among students and parents. The schools will also collaborate with health professionals to assist students struggling with nicotine addiction.
Crausby emphasized: “This initiative goes beyond simply banning vaping. We are equipping our students with the knowledge and resilience to make healthier choices for their future. We are committed to working with our parents, educators, and the broader community to ensure that our students grow up in a clean, supportive environment that prioritizes their well-being.”
