Parent Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Vaping: What you need to know
Vaping (E-Cigarettes) has become one of the leading health concerns facing adolescents in recent times. More often than not, young people are unaware of the risks associated with taking up the habit of vaping. When vaping, the user inhales vapour produced by an electronic vaporizer. This vapour can contain nicotine and other chemicals which may be harmful to a persons health. To support the public health initiatives and the school community in reducing the risk posed by young people vaping, parents and carers can do their bit by being informed about the risks associated with vaping. Part of this is speaking to young people about making positive decisions.
What do they look and smell like?
Vapes come in various shapes and sizes with most resembling a USB style device or a pen, like a highlighter. The liquid used in vapes can come in hundreds of different flavours and of varying strengths with the smell often giving you an idea of the flavour the user is “vaping”. You can see the image provided to give you a better idea of what vape products look like and what to look out for.
What are possible health outcomes?
There is some evidence that vaping can lead to severe lung complications. There is more information for you to read in the link here: https://www.health.gov.au/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-severe-lung-illness
Even if the liquid that is being vapourised states there is no nicotine present there may still be other chemicals and substances that can affect a persons health, which may also result in differing forms of cancers and conditions. More information on this can be found here: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/
What about the legalities?
E-Cigarettes, or vaping products are classified as smoking products and are subject to the same laws as tobacco cigarettes. These laws are governed by the Tobacco Amendment Act 2016 (originally Tobacco Act 1987). This means that vaping products cannot be:
- Sold to a person under the age of 18
- Used in non-smoking areas (both indoors or outdoors)
- Advertised or promoted
Your role?
As a parent or guardian your role is crucial in educating your child from the risks associated with vaping. Learn about the products, engage in conversations around physical risks and health, learn the lingo. If you use vapes yourself, keep the products in a safe place, hidden or locked away. In the image you can find some other tips about talking with your young person and the lingo they may use relating to vaping.
Helpful links:
https://www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping/
Resources & Support Services
The Wellbeing Team have compiled a range of resources and support services for students and families to access via Compass under Community (the two people) – School Documentation – For Students/For Parents – Wellbeing Resources.
Parent Support Services
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Coordinator
Talea-Jane Simpson – School Counsellor
Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner