Parents guide: Vaping
Top tips for starting conversations about vaping with your children
Recently, Elisabeth Murdoch College has identified students using vapes on school premises or on their way to and from school. There has been a growing concern about the harmful effects vaping has on young people. In response to this, EMC have been developing vaping prevention education for all students, including having Blurred Minds facilitate vaping education sessions last week, for all Year 7 students.
Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, often called ‘vapes’, are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes and types of e-liquids, or e-juices, available. Vapes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks.
In Victoria, a person must not smoke or use e-cigarettes on school premises or within 4 metres of any pedestrian access point to school premises. For more information please see our Smoking and Vaping Ban Policy here.
TOP TIPS:
Take the time: Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.
Relax! Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about it, or seeing people vaping on the street.
On their side: If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them.
Learn alongside: Learn about the different types of vapes available and the risks associated with using these products.
Role model: Set a good example by being tobacco and vape free.
For more information, The Department of Education and Training has collated resources on vaping, including suggestions about how to talk to your child about vaping, and where to get support. For any queries, please contact Claire Dimsey, Health Promotion Project Officer at EMC.