iNFORMATION
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
VAPING: Fact Check
An issue that continues to gain momentum and has been covered in the media recently is the issue of vaping in schools. It is a trend that continues to grow amongst young people in society. A colleague of mine who is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical and education industry, in a conversation with me expressed the following:
Vaping appears to be the ‘cool’ and cheaper alternative to cigarettes, but the question that needs to be asked is “Are adolescents aware of the serious side effects?” A battery operated device, the e-cigarettes usually resemble everyday items such as a USB memory stick, a pencil or a pen. These devices heat a liquid that produces a vapour which is inhaled and the aerosol is delivered directly to the lungs. A varying range of solvents and flavouring agents may be found in different brands as well as heavy metals such as aluminium, arsenic, lead and tin. The JUUL product which is popular among teens also has a high level of nicotine. Pods are used as liquid refills in the JUUL products and are available in many flavourings for example; mango, fruit medley and mint. As per the manufacturer a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.
E-cigarette or Vaping – Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) was first identified in the US and has been responsible for hospital admissions with some patients needing to go on ventilators. While not common in Australia there is potential for the emergence of cases due to the increased number of people vaping. Aerosols released from the vaping cause an inflammatory response in the lungs. A person with EVALI will display flu like symptoms and possibly digestive symptoms. Statistics as per the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (2021) indicate in Australia that vaping by adolescents is increasing. Around 14% of 12 to 17 year olds have tried an e-cigarette, with around 32% of these students having used one in the past month. Students who vaped most commonly sourced their e-cigarette from friends (63%). Around 12% reported buying an e-cigarette themselves. Whilst no advertising is allowed in Australia, social media glamourize these products.
At the Academy, we always aim to inform and educate our students through discussion, which will hopefully enable them to gain a better understanding of the health risks associated with these products and make more informed decisions. I strongly encourage parents and guardians to do the same and suggest the following approach:
Before a talk with your daughter
- Know the facts
- Be patient and ready to listen
- Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue
- Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture
- It’s OK for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces
Some useful information can also be found by accessing these links:
Chemicals found in vaping liquids
As a College, we will continue to provide all students with cyber, alcohol and other drug education through our curriculum and wellbeing programs. Our approach is always first and foremost, educative. Further to this, please note that:
- The Department of Education and Training’s Smoking and Vaping Policy was updated on 27 January 2021 to clarify the law and policy around the use of e-cigarettes on schools grounds;
- Under the Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic), smoking or use of e-cigarettes (commonly known as 'vaping') is not permitted on school premises (buildings and grounds), within 4 metres of school entrances or at school sanctioned events held off-premises.
- In Victoria it is illegal for any person aged 18 or over to obtain, possess or use nicotine e-cigarettes, or e-cigarette cartridges containing nicotine, or nicotine liquids for use in a vaporiser, without a prescription. It is also illegal to sell e-cigarettes to, or buy e-cigarettes for, any person aged under 18 years whether or not the e-cigarettes contain nicotine. While it is not unlawful for a person to possess or use e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine, it is unlawful to use them on school premises or within 4 metres of a school entrance.
Therefore, with all of the above in mind, whilst there will be an educative approach taken as already mentioned and outlined, there will also be a punitive aspect if any students are found, seen or reported to be vaping or in possession of vape paraphernalia. Suspension from school will occur immediately and students will be asked to attend a ‘re-entry’ interview with their parents where we will determine whether or not they will be able to continue to be enrolled at the Academy.
I ask for total parent and guardian support with this matter.
USE OF ONLINE SOCIAL PLATFORMS
Over the last few weeks, some of the Academy Wellbeing Leaders and I have had to deal with a plethora of online issues. Many of these involved the social media platform – Tiktok. The issues involved not only Academy students but also students from other schools and took place at all hours of the day and night. At school, we work very hard at ensuring that our students are not only safe but are also responsible citizens online. The vast majority certainly are. But unfortunately, in every school there are a small number whose actions are not desirable or acceptable.
Under no circumstances are students to be filming and posting videos and/or photos on any social media platform during the school day or whilst they are wearing the College uniform - even after hours. We will take a zero-tolerance approach to this. Could I also please ask all parents to ensure that they monitor and are aware of their daughter’s online activities?
Please do not hesitate to refer to the Office of the e-safety commissioner website for resources, ideas and strategies. The website address is https://www.esafety.gov.au/
We will continue to work hard to get the ‘digital footprint’ message across and offer students the appropriate learnings associated with all things digital.
CHANGEOVER TO WINTER UNIFORM: Term 2
A remind to parents/guardians of the uniform requirements for Term 2.
Due to the variable weather conditions, students may wear either the summer or winter uniform in the first TWO weeks of Term 2. However, the winter uniform is compulsory for all students from Monday 9 May. Navy tights have now been part of the winter uniform for those students wearing a skirt for the last 12 months. Students do have the option of wearing navy pants instead. We ask that all students be respectful of the College expectations around this and wear their uniform correctly but also with pride.