Vaping in the crosshairs

VICTORIAN teachers have been equipped with a suite of free education materials to help students understand the dangers of vaping.

Developed by Quit Victoria in partnership with Monash University, the state government and health and education peak bodies, the resources have been designed to align to the school curriculum.

Across the country, the instance of vaping continues to rise particularly among young people with almost half of Australians aged 15-30 reporting that they are either current users or have used e-cigarettes in the past.

Quit director Rachael Anderson said almost a third of secondary students had tried vaping which presents “a very real challenge for schools”.

“Given the strong alignment to the Victorian school curriculum, these resources provide new and best-practice opportunities for engagement in classrooms, something we haven’t had on the important topic of vaping to this point,” she said.

The materials are targeted toward students in years 7-10 and aim to build health literacy, prevent vaping uptake and maintain a low prevalence of smoking among young people.

Young people who use e-cigarettes are three times more likely to take up smoking. According to Cancer Council Victoria, current tobacco smoking by 14-17-year-olds has also increased, with almost 13 per cent reporting smoking in 2023, up from 2 per cent in 2018.

It marks the first time an increase in teen smoking has been reported in 25 years. VicHealth chief executive Dr Sandra Demaio said the new education resources will play a vital role in reducing and preventing vaping among young people.

“We know from our successful history in tobacco control that the classroom is an ideal environment for teenagers to learn about the harms of nicotine and smoking,” she said.

“As the raft of new regulations come into play this year to address the sale and promotion of vaping nationally, these evidence-based resources are a crucial and timely step in tackling vaping among young people.”

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said: “The more we can discourage young people from taking up vaping or to support them to stop, the better the long-term health outcomes for the community.

“Vaping can cause lung injury, lead to seizures and interrupt concentration.

“Our intention is for these resources to empower students to work together to design vape-free spaces and advocate for a vape-free future.”

Resources for young people in years 5 and 6 are also currently being developed.

For support to stop vaping or smoking contact Quitline on 13 78 48.