Boy, 14, collapses after overdosing on nicotine gum handed out in school

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:19 PM on 20th July 2009

A boy of 14 collapsed after overdosing on nicotine gum handed out by school counsellors to help smokers quit cigarettes.

Aiden Williams was rushed to hospital after he chewed his way through 30 pieces of the tobacco substitute Nicorette during lunch hour.

His mother today hit out at the school, which allows children as young as 12 to be given up to a week’s supply - 105 pieces – without parental consent.

Caroline Williams said: ‘I couldn’t believe that this gum can be given out like this without parents knowing. 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.’

Aiden, a pupil at Menzies High School Science College in West Bromwich, West Midlands, said he was given the gum by a classmate who had allegedly been caught smoking.

Workers from Sandwell Council’s Drug Education, Counselling and Confidential Advice (Decca) had been into school that morning and given out hundreds of boxes of the gum to pupils who smoke.

Aiden was rushed to Sandwell General Hospital with stomach pains after he collapsed in the playground at lunchtime.

He admitted having eaten two days worth of the gum - 30 pieces - in just one hour, was kept in overnight for observations and allowed home the following afternoon.

Paul Harris, deputy head at Menzies School, said: ‘We have older teens in school who have issues with smoking and work directly with Decca, which offers support.

‘This is low-strength nicotine gum and there is nothing stopping youngsters from the age of 12 buying it over the counter.

‘Decca does not have to inform pupils’ parents about this.’

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

Quitting aid: Schoolboy Aiden Williams

 collapsed after chewing 30 pieces

 of Nicorette gum