Deputy Principal - Student Development and Wellbeing

In this month’s Parent Corner each of the Pastoral Guardians will reflect on the first three weeks of this term and share some of their insights into the various activities that their relevant year levels have been up to. 

Incidents of Vaping (use of e-cigarettes)

From my end, I would like to draw your attention to the rising incidents of the use of e-cigarettes or the action of vaping that is happening at our young people’s social occasions or indeed at school.

If you watched commercial news stations last night you would have heard about schools going to the length of locking bathroom facilities to prevent students vaping (using e-cigarettes) in these private spaces.  

Australian surveys, including relevant school surveys that we have carried out over the past couple of years, prove that our students are not immune from being either experimental or habitual users.  In fact, both national and school surveys show the increase that is occurring. 

According to the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation, “young people who vape nicotine are exposed to a toxic chemical that can harm adolescent brain development …and lead to dependence” (2021).

The problem is exacerbated by the increase in the number of shops selling non-nicotine e-cigarettes that are designed to entice young people into their use, due to the variety of lolly-like flavours.  As "purely recreational products, they have no place in our market for either kids or adults" (Cancer Council Australia).  Even more of a concern is the possibility of some e-cigarettes containing substances that can be mood- or brain-altering in addition to causing permanent lung damage.  This link provides useful insights into the dangers of vaping and e-Cigarettes.

Our role is to ensure that the wellbeing of all students is safeguarded.  While we can lead discussions and provide information on the dangers of vaping, there is a lot to be said for parents and carers reinforcing the messages that we are providing to our young people. This link will help guide an approach and discussion with your child about the use of e- cigarettes. 

School Response to Student Possession, Use, or Sale of E-cigarettes

For the protection of all students, any student who is found to be using, selling, or bringing e- cigarettes to school will face immediate suspension and be asked to show cause as to why they should continue at the College.

Annette Butterworth