Wellbeing News
Patterson River Secondary College
Wellbeing Website
We launched our Wellbeing Website, last term, designed specifically to support parents and carers. This online resource provides practical information, strategies and guidance to help families support their child’s emotional health and wellbeing at home. We encourage all parents and carers to explore the website and make use of the resources available.
Kelly Maxwell
Wellbeing Leader
Vaping and Teenagers: What Every Parent Should Know
Did you know that 1 in 3 teenagers have tried vaping and 1 in 5 are currently vaping? Even if your teen hasn’t mentioned it, it’s possible they’ve already experimented with it. That’s why it’s important to be informed and ready to have the conversation.
What is a Vape?
A vape is an electronic device that heats a liquid, creating an aerosol that is inhaled. While it may seem harmless, vapes contain a mix of harmful chemicals, many of the same found in cigarettes such as:
- Nicotine (highly addictive)
- Formaldehyde (used in embalming)
- Rubidium (used in fireworks)
- Acetone (found in nail polish remover)
Not Just “Water Vapour”
Many people believe the mist from vaping is just water vapour. In reality, it contains dangerous chemicals that can harm not just the person vaping, but also those around them, including pets. This includes exposure through second-hand vapour and third-hand vapour (chemicals left behind on surfaces and in dust, which linger long after the vapour has cleared).
Why Teens Are at Greater Risk?
Nicotine use during adolescence can harm brain development, affecting learning, memory and attention. It also increases the risk of addiction later in life. While vaping may be promoted as a tool to help adults quit smoking, for teens it often leads in the opposite direction.
Recent research shows that teens aged 12–17 who vape are:
- 5 times more likely to start smoking cigarettes
- If they start closer to age 12, they’re 29 times more likely to smoke later in life
Start the Conversation Early
It’s not always easy to bring up these topics, but the earlier you start, the better. A great resource is the Vaping Conversation Guide for Parents, which helps you:
- Talk without judgement
- Show genuine interest in your teen’s thoughts
- Create a safe space for open discussion
The more supported your teen feels, the more likely they are to open up and the more you can help guide them in making healthy choices.
For more information and facts on vaping visit:
Vaping Conversation Guide for Parents
QUIT – Seeing Through the Haze
Heather Lavery
Adolescent Health Nurse