HEALTH

SMOKING BAN SCHOOL POLICY

There are very specific regulations on the selling of cigarettes in Australia. The National Tobacco Campaign is making some inroads on the overall percentage of people who smoke. However, approximately 3% of 12 to 15 year olds and 10% of 16 to 17 year olds are currently smokers. Given that smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia, these statistics are alarming. It appears that not all young people are taking note of the message about the significant short and long term consequences to the health of themselves when they choose to smoke and/or to others in the form of secondhand smoke.

Earlier this month, the ABC reported that there is a growing e-cigarette culture in Australian teenagers aged between 12-17 years, with 13% having already tried e-cigarettes, or “vaping” as it is more commonly known. The ABC report suggests that this trend is being touted as a ploy by tobacco companies to “hook” a new generation.

There is growing evidence, according to the Cancer Council Australia, that vaping does lead to the smoking of tobacco cigarettes, in our young people.

As e-cigarettes are relatively new on the market, their long term health risk is not known. However, we do know that they do not necessarily deter an individual from smoking cigarettes and as a result, they are not an approved aid to quitting.

The National Health and Medical Research Council advises that vaping may expose users to a range of chemicals and toxins, even if these e-cigarettes do not contain nicotine. They do contain potential carcinogens that obviously have an adverse effect on health.

As you may be aware, smoking is banned within the grounds of, and within four metres of an entrance to all schools in Victoria. This applies at all times and is not just related to school hours or school events. It applies to members of our school community and to the general public when they are in the vicinity of our school. Our school has installed suitable ‘No smoking’ signs to all entrances to the school grounds. Smoking is also actively discouraged at all times, for school events held off-campus.

The Student Code of Conduct clearly outlines that smoking, vaping, and the use of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited behaviour and sanctions will be imposed for the breach of these rules. We, as a school community, especially through the subject of Health and BYTES, warn students of the health risks and addictive nature of smoking.

The following are links to the ABC article and the Cancer Council’s information on e-cigarettes.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-28/selling-vaping-to-teenagers-at-epidemic-levels/11452036

Attached is another link from the Victorian Government, Better Health Channel about the effects of tobacco cigarette smoking on the body.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/smoking-effects-on-your-body

If you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact me.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I wish to take this opportunity to remind families that holidays should be a time for some rest. We very quickly forget how tiring the term can be.

Here are a few suggestions that our students should take on board to recharge for the term ahead:

Get extra sleep as research suggests that teenagers require nine to ten hours of sleep every night;
Turn the phone off. Limit the time you ‘chat’ to people online and aim to visit and chat face-to-face, if possible;
Go for a walk and get some vital vitamin D. It is not only essential to maintain the health of bones and teeth but also supports the health of the immune system, brain, nervous system, lung function and cardiovascular health;
Read a book, not just a text book but one for pleasure.

Have a wonderful break and look forward to seeing everyone next term.

Susan Wilken

Manager of Health