Trinity Grammar School promotes wellbeing, safety and health. Trinity provides education about vaping directly to students to support positive choices. These resources are provided to ensure parents have access to accurate information and tips for conversations to guide teens.
What is a vape?
'Vapes' also known as e-cigarettes are battery operated devices that work by heating a liquid (or ‘juice’) until it becomes an aerosol that users inhale. Some people mistakenly believe the ‘cloud’ from vaping is a vapour, like steam. It is really an aerosol, a fine spray of chemicals that enter the body via the lungs, and small particles that can lodge in the lungs. Using an e-cigarette is commonly called ‘vaping’.
What do vapes look like?
E-cigarette devices come in many different shapes and sizes. They can look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs). Some are even disguised as medical devices or concealed within clothing.
Are vapes safe?
NO. There are no quality or safety standards for e-cigarettes nor nicotine-free liquids, meaning their manufacture, contents and labelling are unregulated. E-cigarettes can contain nicotine, propylene glycol or glycerine, and flavourings. Hazardous substances have been found in e-cigarette liquids and in the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes. These include: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, which are known to cause cancer. Some chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols can cause DNA damage.
It's also important to know most e-cigarettes and e-liquids that are labelled nicotine-free and available for sale in Australia do, in fact, contain nicotine. Nicotine is among the most addictive substances known. Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development and impair memory and concentration.
Are they legal?
- It is illegal to buy an e-cigarette or e-liquid that contains nicotine without a valid prescription (these may only be purchased from pharmacies, not retail stores).
- Vaping is prohibited within 4m of school grounds and penalties apply.
- In Australia, it is also illegal to sell an e-cigarette device or accessory (including e-liquid) to a person under 18 years old, whether or not it contains nicotine.
Myths and Facts about Vaping
Discussing vaping with your teen
The earlier and more often you speak with young people about e-cigarettes, the more likely they are to listen. It’s important for parents to educate themselves, so they know the facts and what to say when the topic comes up. Young people are more likely to use smoking products if others around them do. Parents can lead by example by not using e-cigarettes at all, especially when children are around.
- Have a conversation
Approach the conversation calmly, and ask questions. Try not to lecture or judge. The resources below offer some great tips. - DARTA Information Sheet for Parents: What if you discover your child is vaping? – finding out that your child is vaping can be confronting for many parents. This resource provides information on how to prepare for a discussion with your child, as well as a suggested ‘step-by-step’ process of what you should say to ensure the best outcome
- DARTA Information Sheet for Parents: How to respond to common vaping statements – parents are often met with statements about vaping ‘safety’ when attempting to challenge their teen’s use of these devices. This Information Sheet provides some possible responses that parents could use to address such statements
- The Raising Children Network also offers general resources on how to speak to your child about the use of alcohol and other drugs.
- Practical tips to help your teen stop vaping (theparentswebsite.com.au)
What supports are there if a person is addicted/needs support to stop vaping?
The QUIT line is a professional service available to support people to build and maintain motivation to quit. They assist with developing a plan to cease vaping/smoking.
- Call the Quit Line 13 7848
- Website: https://www.quit.org.au/
- Young people aged over 13 can access QUIT line support.
- Quit Plan and Support Tools
- FAQs
Trinity students who would like to discuss personal concerns about vaping can seek support through the Trinity Counselling team, Head of Year or Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School.
VIDEO - Medical experts on vaping. Dr Anthea Rhodes and Dr Moya Vandeluer RCH
Podcast
SPECIAL REPORT - School TV: Vaping & e-cigarettes
https://trinity.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au
Learn MORE:
- Drug and Alcohol Research & Training Australia: Vaping Resources for Parents
- The RCH National Child Health Poll: E-cigarettes, vaping and teens: Do parents know the dangers?
- New South Wales Health fact sheet 'Are electronic cigarettes and e-liquids safe?'=
(2023) Information adapted from Quit.org.au; rch.org.au, DARTA