Teenage boy overdoses on nicotine gum handed out by school

A 14-year-old boy was hospitalised after overdosing on nicotine gum handed out at school, it emerged today.

Aiden Williams is thought to have chewed up to 45 sticks of the gum before collapsing in the playground at Menzies High School Science College in West Bromwich, West Midlands.

Anti-smoking advisers from Sandwell Council's Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice (Decca) gave the gum to another boy after the school raised concerns about that pupil's smoking habit.

But the boy, a friend of Aiden, passed it on and Aiden was taken to Sandwell General Hospital with stomach pains on July 8 after bingeing on the gum.

He was kept in overnight for observation and discharged the following day.

Aiden's mother Caroline, 36, said she was horrified nicotine gum was handed out in school without parents being told.

She told the Express and Star newspaper: "It is then being passed around the playground.

"The doctors said that he could have died and he had to be kept in for 24 hours for observation.

"I know what my son did was stupid, but if anything it proves that these kids can't be given responsibility for taking medication that could do serious harm."

Children as young as 12 can buy nicotine gum over the counter and pupils can be given 105 pieces of the gum, designed to last a week, with no obligation to inform their parents.

Decca service manager Margaret Storrie said: "Aiden overdosing on gum like this is the first time such an incident has happened and we are disappointed to hear about it.

"Aiden's friend who was originally given the gum would have been told very clearly how often to use it by the worker who gave it to him. We always make sure clients understand not to give out their gum to anyone else.

"Decca is a confidential service engaging with young people and we do offer nicotine replacement gum to help young smokers quit.

"We always encourage young people to speak to their parents and we often organise meetings with family members so young people get the support they need.

"Any school could have us, or the Primary Care Trusts stop smoking service, or any other provider of smoking cessation help, to come in and help a pupil to quit.

"We will investigate the incident and will continue to ensure that young people know about the dangers of giving the gum to others as well as the correct dosage."