Skip to main content
  1. Arm yourself with the facts so you can have frank, non-judgmental conversations.
  2. Start a conversation. See tips on how to talk to kids here.
  3. Listen with patience
  4. Convey expectations: why you don’t want them to vape, why you are concerned about the risks to their brain, lungs, their future well-being
  5. Identify alternate strategies – Ask what might work for them? Ask them to self-reflect on vaping patterns to identify vaping triggers and develop a coping strategy or replacement behaviour eg. having a breath mint or glass of water, change routines, exercise, chat to a friend etc, or if you suspect nicotine dependence it may be appropriate to try nicotine replacement therapy (patches, spray, gum) to assist with symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
  6. Start a peer-led conversation in class for example what worries you about vaping? What do you think about vaping? What would you say if someone offered you a vape? (practising refusal skills in class)
  7. Other exercises such as recognising tobacco industry manipulation. Try it here.
  8. Developing a quit plan. Tips on how to get started.
  9. Seeking help from a GP, Quitline or Psychologist. Tips on how to get help  and discourage kids from smoking and vaping.

In short, vaping is a huge burden on schools and the quality of education that is being delivered. Vaping only compounds the significant mental health challenges facing today’s youth and the development of their adolescent brains.

Schools desperately need better tools and resources to help prevent students from vaping before nicotine dependence sets in, while also supporting them to quit through non-judgmental conversations and strategies.

Support don’t punish nicotine dependence!

In the NewsVaping| November 28, 2024

OurFutures Vaping Program in the media

There has been a considerable amount of media coverage on the exciting national roll-out of our Vaping Prevention Program for…
November 28, 2024Read More
In the NewsMedia ReleasesVaping| November 15, 2024

National roll-out of OurFutures Vaping Prevention program for young Australians

This week the Hon Mark Butler MP (Minister for Health and Aged Care) made the exciting announcement that the federal…
November 15, 2024Read More
Drug useEducational ArticlesVaping| October 28, 2024

What are dry herb vapes and are they legal in Australia?

The regulations around vaping in Australia have been undergoing significant changes recently, with updates that aim to address public health…
October 28, 2024Read More
Educational ArticlesIn the NewsPrevention Programs for studentsPrevention Programs for studentsVapingYouth Mental Health| September 4, 2024

Depressed teenagers twice as likely to vape, study finds

A new study from The University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre has revealed a link between poor mental health and e-cigarette…
September 4, 2024Read More