Wellbeing
The BRAVE program is an online self-help program that contains both resources and information for children, teenagers and their parents. It is designed specifically to help young people with anxiety overcome their worries and improve the quality of their lives.
BRAVE is a cognitive behaviour therapy tool based on established clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of child and adolescent anxiety, as described by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
No matter how old or young you are, everyone experiences anxiety at times. We here at the BRAVE program know that worrying about things all the time is tough. The BRAVE program was developed to help young people and their parents develop skills and coping strategies so that your worries and anxiety don’t stop young people from doing the things you want or need to do.
The BRAVE Team also know how hard it can be to make the time to fit everything in! The BRAVE program is an online program that you can work through at your own speed in the privacy of your own home.
To learn more, visit: Login | BRAVE Self-Help Program
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, have been designed to appeal to young people using colourful packaging and flavourings. They contain chemicals that can cause serious health issues such as lung damage. They also contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and young people are more susceptible to addiction.
How vaping affects young people
Vapes are harmful to your health at any age, as they expose you to toxic chemicals which impact both your physical and mental health. Vaping can lead to lung damage and can be harmful for young brains, which are still developing until about 25 years of age. Short- and long-term vaping is dangerous to your health. Learn more on the health harms of vaping.
Laws on vaping and young people
Vaping laws in Australia have changed to protect the health of all Australians, and particularly young people. On 1 July 2024, the law changed so that all vapes and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
It is illegal for any other business, such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, to sell any type of vape or vape product.
People under 18 years need a prescription to access vapes, where state and territory laws allow, to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision. People who need vapes with a higher concentration of nicotine than 20 mg/mL also need a prescription, regardless of their age.
Learn more about the new regulations on vaping products.
Help and support to quit vaping
Quitting vaping is an important step you can take to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. If you are vaping and decide to quit, there are a lot of resources available to support your journey.
- The My QuitBuddy app provides helpful tips to overcome cravings and tracking systems to chart your quit progress. Age ratings apply.
- Quitline (13 7848) is a confidential, evidence-based telephone counselling service.
- Information and advice on quitting smoking and vaping is available at Quit.org.au.
- You can also visit your GP for information and help on how to quit vaping.
- Confiding in a family member or trusted adult for support and guidance may also help you to quit and remain vape free.
- BSC has an AOD (Alcohol & Other Drug) Counsellor onsite once a fortnight to provide support for students with vaping. See your Hub or Jayne in Wellbeing to find out more information about accessing this service.
For more information about vaping, visit: Young people and vaping | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing\
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------