Curbing the social acceptance of vaping

VAPING and tobacco use is an escalating issue in Greater Geelong, so I’m incredibly encouraged to see our local young people taking a proactive stance with a powerful new anti-vaping campaign.

Young leaders have demonstrated fantastic initiative in forming an action group against vaping and tobacco use, sparking honest conversations amongst friends and classmates.

The City’s Youth Development team, in partnership with CatholicCare have been working with senior students at Northern Bay College and North Geelong Secondary College to raise awareness about this important health issue.

Throughout term one and two, students participated in weekly education sessions and were tasked with developing and presenting vaping prevention project pitches to their peers and school staff.

Young people have co-designed a series of posters and short animations intended to expose the toxic chemicals in vapes and offer crucial information on where to get support to quit.

The City is proud to be part of the Vape Free Victoria partnership with Barwon South West Vaping Prevention Coalition, funded by VicHealth.

As Council’s health chair, I am encouraged by these students’ determination to curb the social acceptance of vaping – a lifestyle choice that can ultimately have lifelong health impacts that linger long after quitting.

I am always concerned when I see young people doing something that I know is bad for their long-term health and wellbeing.

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I have personally witnessed the devastating adverse effects of vaping on patients’ dental health.

Research links vaping to an increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

There are also cases where e-cigarettes have exploded causing severe oral and facial injuries.

Beyond these immediate concerns, vapes contain toxic chemicals with known serious health implications for the entire body.

A common misconception is that vaping offers a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking traditional tobacco.

However, studies show that non-smokers who use e-cigarettes and vapes are three times more likely to transition to tobacco smoking – a significant risk factor for developing oral cancer.

The reality is, there are no health benefits to taking up vaping; it’s simply a different, equally hazardous, habit.

We know that this is a concern for young people who face peer pressure in social settings.

Early results from the 2025 Geelong Youth Survey indicate that vaping and tobacco use continues to be one of the top issues facing young people in our region.

This makes initiatives like the youth action group and school-based engagement vital for early intervention and education, empowering young people to make informed, healthy choices.

Fortunately, there are services available in Greater Geelong to assist those looking to quit vaping and smoking.

Barwon Health operates four Be SmokeFree clinics in the region in Torquay, Newcomb, Belmont and Corio.

These clinics provide ongoing, non-judgemental and supportive resources to develop effective quitting strategies.

To learn more about these services, head to barwonhealth.org.au/service/be-smokefree-clinics

To speak to somebody about youth mental health support, contact headspace on 1800 650 890 or to speak to somebody about quitting vaping, phone Quit on 13 78 48.

Cr Rowan Story

Murradoc Ward,

City of Greater Geelong