VAPING? Yuk.

Teenage vaping is increasingly in the news due to reports of rapidly growing use and concerns of the health dangers of vaping. 

E-cigarettes which are commonly called ‘vapes’ are devices that heat liquid that becomes an aerosol spray of chemicals that users inhale into their lungs. Vape devices often contain very high levels of nicotine, even in those that may be labelled ‘nicotine-free’. 

Students are not permitted to vape, carry e-cigarettes/vapes at school or be in the presence of someone vaping.

A 2022 University of Sydney study found that 32% of the 14 to 17 year old participants had used an e-cigarette/vape. Over half of these teenagers had never previously smoked. 

Despite the fact that all vaping products, irrespective of nicotine content, are illegal to sell to under 18s in Australia, the study found that many teenagers were readily accessing and using vaping products. Primary schools have reported incidents of student vaping as young as Grade 4.

The short-term effects of vaping have been associated with nausea, vomiting, mouth and airway irritation, chest pain and heart palpitations. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being researched, but the toxic particles breathed in are being linked to lung damage, heart disease, cancers, and harm to the still-developing adolescent brain. 

The following resources provide information and advice to help parents discuss the facts and health risks associated with vaping and smoking with their child:

Smoking and Vaping Advice for Parents

Lung Foundation Advice for Parents

References:

1. Retrieved 3 November 2022 https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2022/09/27/study-provides-new-insights-on-teen-vaping-behaviour-in-australia.html
2. Retrieved 3 November 2022 https://www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping/
3. Retrieved 3 November 2022 https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/protecting-your-lungs/e-cigarettes-and-vaping/

Tony Stirling

Acting Assistant Principal