Australia’s new anti-vaping program in schools is a good step

Vaping on the Rise: Why the National Anti-Vaping Program for Young Australians Matters

Last week, the federal government announced a plan to roll out an anti-vaping program in schools across the country. The education program, called OurFutures, aims to prevent young people from taking up vaping. It has been developed by experts from the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use with input from educators and young people.

Vaping is on the Rise

A survey of Australian high school students in 2022-23 showed almost one in three reported having tried vaping, while one in six had vaped in the previous month. This represents a significant increase over time, with rates of both lifetime (ever) vaping and vaping in the past month more than doubling since 2017. However, since this data were collected, new laws to control the supply of and access to vapes have been introduced, which aim to reduce the prevalence of vaping.

Evidence showing the harmful effects of vaping is mounting. A 2022 review found vaping was linked to a range of negative health outcomes including poisoning, addiction, burns to the face, hands, and thighs, lung injury, and an increased likelihood of taking up tobacco smoking.

What will the Program Entail?

OurFutures is designed for children in years 7 and 8 and is based on research evidence. Students are guided through four online lessons each of which uses a variety of activities and resources to educate them about the harms of vaping. Lessons also cover information on the impact of social media, assertive communication, and how and where to seek help.

The government says the program will be able to reach more than 3,000 schools across Australia.

Why is this Program Important?

Our research and that of others indicates this is an optimal age to reach young people, as it’s a time when they are starting to experiment and take up vapes. This program is also extremely timely, as young people have told us they want vaping prevention messages in their schools to help them make informed decisions. These young people recognize there’s a lack of credible information available.

Conclusion

The national anti-vaping program for young Australians is a positive step. However, it needs to be complemented by a range of strategies and continued government investment to support our young people to avoid or stop vaping. Providing evidence-based, rational information in this way should help many young people doing this program better understand the potential health risks of vaping, and in turn think twice about doing it.

FAQs

Q: What is OurFutures?

A: OurFutures is an education program designed for children in years 7 and 8 to prevent them from taking up vaping.

Q: What is the goal of the program?

A: The goal is to educate young people about the harms of vaping and provide them with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Q: How will the program be delivered?

A: The program will be delivered through four online lessons that use a variety of activities and resources to educate young people about the harms of vaping.

Q: How will the program be rolled out?

A: The program will be rolled out to over 3,000 schools across Australia, with initial testing already underway in 40 schools in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Q: What are the benefits of the program?

A: The program is designed to be an effective way to prevent young people from taking up vaping, which is associated with a range of negative health outcomes. By providing young people with accurate information about the risks of vaping, the program aims to help them make informed decisions about their health.