Student Wellbeing and Vaping Awareness
At Malek Fahd Islamic School, student wellbeing remains a shared responsibility between school and home. As part of our commitment to safeguarding the health, wellbeing, and future of our learners, we would like to raise awareness about the increasing concern surrounding vaping among young people.
Like many schools across Australia, schools are continuing to see a rise in vaping amongst adolescents. Electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes, are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs. Many vapes are deliberately designed to resemble everyday items such as pens, USB devices, or highlighters, making them difficult to identify.
A common misconception is that vaping is harmless or safer than smoking cigarettes. This is not true. Vaping poses serious risks to health and wellbeing, particularly for young people.
Important Facts About Vaping
Many vapes contain nicotine, making them highly addictive. In some cases, one vape may contain nicotine equivalent to approximately 50 cigarettes.
Vapes can contain harmful chemicals commonly found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killers, and insecticides.
Vaping has been linked to anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing concerns.
Young people who vape are significantly more likely to take up cigarette smoking.
Vape aerosol is not harmless water vapour.
Vaping has been associated with serious lung disease and long-term health complications.
Nicotine can negatively affect adolescent brain development, particularly areas linked to attention, learning, and impulse control.
Signs Your Child May Be Vaping
Parents and carers are encouraged to remain attentive to possible signs of vaping, including:
Increased irritability or anxiety
Changes in mood or behaviour
Unusual sweet scents or odours
Increased thirst or coughing
Possession of unfamiliar electronic devices
Talking to Your Child About Vaping
Open and calm conversations are one of the most effective ways to support young people. We encourage parents and carers to discuss vaping with their children in a supportive and informed manner. Listening without judgement and focusing on education and wellbeing can help build trust and encourage honest discussion.
Laws Around Vaping In New South Wales:
It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18 years of age.
It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes unless prescribed by a doctor for smoking cessation purposes and dispensed through a pharmacy.
If you suspect vapes are being sold illegally to minors, this can be reported to NSW Health via the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
For further information and evidence-based resources, families can visit: NSW Health Vaping Information
Together, through strong partnerships between school and home, we can continue to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of our young people.
Dr Zachariah Matthews, Principal
