PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear parents and carers,
You may be aware of recent reforms announced by the Commonwealth government to further regulate and restrict the supply of vapes. You will certainly be aware that many young people are experimenting with, or using, vapes.
Today I wanted to share with you the most current position, and various resources, from the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) on vaping. The ADF is the peak body responsible for minimising harms caused by all drugs, including alcohol. Information about the ADF can be found at: https://adf.org.au/
Schools are aware that both non-nicotine containing and nicotine containing vapes are being marketed and sold to young people. This is evident from the packaging styles and flavours which are clearly aimed at the youth market.
Under the reforms announced, nicotine containing vapes will continue to be available, but this will only be with a doctor’s prescription via pharmacies. These vapes are permitted as a means of assisting people to quit traditional cigarettes.
Non-nicotine contains vapes will be banned completely. All types of cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs are prohibited at school.
Although the body of data is relatively limited compared to that of traditional cigarettes, it is clear vapes present risks, and cause harms, to users. Rather than going into lengthy detail here, I recommend the following article,
“Facts about Vaping” from the ADF website: https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/vaping-e-cigarettes/?apcid=00632cfe7bac368345a59401&utm_campaign=adf-special-ed-vaping-may-2&utm_content=adf-special-ed-vaping-may-2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ortto
You will be aware that the school conducts drug education sessions as part of the Victorian Curriculum, as well as additional sessions from time to time. That said, parent/carers have an important educative role as well.
If you are aware that your child is using vapes (or other drugs) having “the conversation” can be one of the most difficult things for parent/carers to do. Preparation and tone are the key things here. Fortunately, the ADF has produced resources to assist parents with this task. Talking about drugs- https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/having-conversation/
If your child is addicted to vapes, there are steps and processes which can assist them in quitting. The reasons young people take up vaping are many and varied and, therefore, the path to quitting may be different for different people.
Again, fortunately, the ADF have resources to support this process which can be found here:
Supporting young people to quit vaping-
It is clear that the increasing usage of vapes by young people presents a risk to their health and wellbeing. I hope these resources are helpful. If you need other support or guidance in this area, please feel free to contact the school.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Minack
Principal