Drug Education and Vaping

Vaping and the Law

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapor, which the person inhales. That’s why using e-cigarettes is called “vaping”. 

Under existing state and territory laws in Australia, the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine to someone without a doctor’s prescription is illegal. But this does not guarantee all e-cigarettes sold legally are nicotine-free.

The possession or use of these products without a prescription is illegal in all states and territories except South Australia.  From 1 October 2021, importing nicotine e-cigarette products and refills from overseas websites without a valid doctor’s prescription will also be illegal.

In Australia – IF YOU ARE 18 YEARS OR OVER ONLY – You can legally buy e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. It is illegal, however, for manufacturers or retailers to make any therapeutic claims about e-cigarettes.

Clonard works closely and co-operatively with the Geelong Police Liaison officers to share relevant information in regard to the illegal sale of e-cigarette devices and associated items that is made known to the College.

Education

Best practice research and guidelines specifically state that the most effective drug and alcohol education programs are embedded in the curriculum rather than just involving one off guest speakers.  Clonard has a clear focus and inclusion of Drug and Alcohol education in our Health and Physical Education curriculum, which includes at Year 7 a drug education unit which incorporates the dangers of vaping, in Year 8 a focus on the impacts of alcohol, and at Year 9 alcohol and other drugs.

In addition at Year 10, students recently participated in a year level wellbeing assembly presentation by Health and PE staff to educate students on the science and dangers of vaping.

Clonard have a harm minimisation and educational approach to the use of e-cigarettes and vaping, and if students are found to have e-cigarette devices or are vaping on school grounds, at College events or activities or in College uniform, it is viewed as a serious breach of the College Drug and Alcohol policy.

During Term 2 we continue to educate our community with Drug Education presentations facilitated by Sharon Torpey of the Drug Education Project for both Parents and students.

Student sessions are practical and engaging, discussing the very real issues facing young people today, including

  • promote positive social norms and teach strategies to recognise and reduce harm.
  • with accurate information and practical strategies, our youth are better equipped to make “good” decisions.
  • empower students to recognise harm, act quickly and appropriately, to reduce drug, vaping and alcohol related harm in their communities and perhaps even save a life!
  • “SAFETY”, via an action plan that will help young audience to identify an alcohol or drug emergency and guide them to act. Students receive a business size card to place in their wallet that reminds them of the steps of this action plan.

Thank you to all the families who attended the Drug Education parent and carer information evening on Wednesday evening, which included important facts about:

  • The teenage brain – What’s going on?  
  • Facts about alcohol, vaping and other drugs.  Knowledge is power!
  • Highlight positive social norms AND Dispel myths.
  • Tips on how to host a safe party
  • Protective factors to shield young people from the dangers linked to drug and alcohol use
  • Strategies to help you discuss this topic with your teenager and strategies you can put in place to help your teenager deal with challenging social situations, as well as a step by step action plan which will help your teenager to  recognise an emergency and will guide them to act.

 

For further information in regard to Vaping, Drug and Alcohol use, the following websites are recommended

 

Truth_Vaping_Lingo_Dictionary_FINAL.pdf (truthinitiative.org)

Vaping: What You Need to Know (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth

Positive Choices: Drug and Alcohol Education – Get informed, stay smart, stay safe – Positive Choices

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation – Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au)