MLHD partners with action group to combat youth vaping
31 May is World No Tobacco Day – Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is working to support young people to understand the health risks of vaping, through a partnership with the Vape-Free Action Group.
The Action Group meets every month to develop strategies that can support increased awareness about the risks of vaping to young people. It includes representatives from schools, Cancer Council NSW, Riverina Police, community organisations such as Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) and Karralika Programs, as well as young people and parents.
The top priorities for the group are:
- to support workshops at high schools
- for community and sporting groups to communicate the risks of vaping to young people
- to capture real life stories of young people being affected by vaping, and
- to use social media to share health messages with young people and the broader community.
MLHD Health Promotion Officer, Catherine Pratt, said the district is committed to developing strategies that educate young people about the risks of vaping.
“So far, we have been able to develop a workshop presentation and an interactive game for high schools and youth organisations so kids can learn more about the health risks attached to vaping,” Ms Pratt said.
“Vapes often contain nicotine even when they claim to be nicotine free and are not a safe alternative to smoking tobacco. They can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.”
The Vape-Free Action Group is also providing education to the broader community through social media to provide them with information on what to do if they suspect someone is selling vapes to minors.
Sale of any tobacco or e-cigarette products to minors, and the sale of illegal nicotine e-cigarettes can be reported via the NSW Health website.
Further information about quitting vaping is available on the Quitline on 13 78 48 (13 QUIT).