A new resource is now available in all Tasmanian schools to help teachers learn more about how to prevent and end the use of e-cigarettes.
The Vaping, Youth and Health e-learning package includes professional learning modules for school health staff and teachers about the risks of e-cigarettes, interactive classroom resources that can be delivered as part of the Australian curriculum and information for parents.
Smoking kills more than 500 Tasmanians each year and reducing the rate of smoking, particularly among our young people, is a priority for the Tasmanian Government.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said it’s important to understand young people’s misconceptions about e-cigarettes.
“While most young Tasmanians don’t vape or smoke, the recent increase in e-cigarette use can give the perception that it’s normal and a safe alternative to smoking. It is clearly not,” Minister Barnett said.
“E-cigarettes contain corrosive chemicals, alongside the highly addictive nicotine, which are harmful to our lungs and health.
“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we want to give Tasmanians every opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives, and stamping out early take-up of vaping is another important step to achieving this.”
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said schools play an important role in educating young people about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
“Schools play a part in helping stop young Tasmanians from taking up e-cigarettes, and helping those who currently use e-cigarettes to quit,” Minister Palmer said.
“These resources will give our school health and support staff and teachers evidence-based information so they can speak more openly and confidently with students about the dangers of e-cigarettes and where to find support.”
The e-learning package aligns with the Australian Curriculum and while aimed primarily at Years 7 and 8 students, they can be used for other secondary school students.
To view the e-learning package, go to the following website: https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/wellbeing/health-and-physical-care/vaping/.
To learn more about e-cigarettes and vaping, go to the following website: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/vaping.
The e-learning package is available on DECYP’s vaping page.
Visit Quit Tasmania for more anti-vaping resources: Young People and Vaping | Quit Tasmania.
