Vaping

It has come to the attention of the College that a number of students are using vapes, and there is a common misconception amongst students that vapes contain harmless water vapour and are a 'safer alternative' to traditional cigarettes. Vaping is undoubtedly not an issue unique to St Joseph's, and Cancer Council research suggests it is becoming more and more popular with Australia's youth. However, this trending activity poses a serious concern to young people's health.

Talking to children and teenagers about the risks of vaping can be difficult. But did you know that vaping can be a gateway to nicotine addiction and future cigarette smoking? Research has unveiled that many vape liquids contain nicotine, even when labelled as 'nicotine-free.' They also include a cocktail of toxic chemicals that haven't been tested as inhalants. The long-term health impacts of vaping are also still unknown, but what has been discovered about traditional cigarettes in recent decades has experts concerned that vapes could lead to the next generation of lung disease and lung cancer.

During our Mt Sion assembly next Monday, vaping will be addressed with the following key points highlighted:

  • In Victoria, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes or a liquid intended to be used in an e-cigarette to a person under 18 years (even if it doesn't contain nicotine).
  • According to Quit.org.au, most e-cigarettes on the market in Australia contain nicotine, even those that claim they don't. E-cigarettes are unregulated, so there are no consequences for a manufacturer who inaccurately labels their product.
  • Nicotine has been proven as among the most addictive substances known. In addition, nicotine can harm adolescent brain development and impair memory and concentration.
  • E-cigarettes can cause significant harm in both the short and long term, even if non-nicotine varieties are used.
  • If any student has been using a vape recreationally or for self-medication purposes, they should seek help from a trusted adult, particularly if they feel addicted.
  • Any students found using an e-cigarette or vape on school property or in school uniform (off-campus) will be externally suspended from the College, pending a re-entry meeting with College Leadership.

I highly recommend that you take the time to read a powerful article which recently featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, written from a student’s perspective: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/vaping-a-constant-craving-for-too-many-of-my-school-friends-20220314-p5a4dv.html

The health and wellbeing of every student is a priority for the College. Each sub-school has collaborated to ensure that all students at the College have been provided with information around vaping. Waterford has included such lessons in their Health units. Westcourt students were addressed in an assembly earlier in the term, along with communication and information sent home to families and carers.

Year Level Coordinators, House Coordinators, the Wellness team, and Heads of Subschool Wellbeing are available to support and assist families should you require any guidance and support in this area. Please see below a range of free, downloadable resources for parents and young people to help empower you with the facts and information you need to have for an informed conversation with your child.

http://lungfoundation.com.au/vapingforparents

https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping

https://www.quit.org.au/articles/teenvaping/

Meleah Zanos

Head of Mt Sion Wellbeing