A Teacher's Guide to Vaping Prevention, and Why Students Vape

Joining Rob and Chris in this episode is Kim - a trained PD/H/PE teacher whose career has moved into health policy and programs targeting issues impacting teenagers. Currently, Kim is working on programs to address vaping and focusing on behaviour change through peer-led discussions. She outlines the emerging impacts of vaping (it's not great) and strategies for teachers and parents to help teenagers quit (step one: listen, don't lecture).

Topics covered

• The rise of vaping from 2020 onwards
• The lack of regulation for vaping products, and how the marketing of these products targets teens
• How and why the peer-led education model has better outcomes for students
• The links between health prevention, schools, parents, students and teachers
• Why do students vape? Mostly due to stress, mental health and risk-taking
• Dangers of vaping
  • How much nicotine is in a vape?
  • How many puffs are you taking?
  • What are the dangers of nicotine to a developing brain?
  • Passive vaping has risks to others
• What can parents do?
  • Ask your child, don't accuse them
  • Be pre-emptive with the conversation at an age-appropriate level
  • There are guides available from NSW Health, QLD Health and Victoria Health with excellent tools and tips for parents and teens

Resources

• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/vaping-resources.aspx
• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/vaping.aspx
• https://www.health.gov.au/vaping/resources
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vaping
• https://www.quit.org.au/
• https://swsphn.com.au/news/nsw-health-develop-vaping-resources-for-parents-and-carers-of-young-people/
• Vape Check/Dovetail – from QLD Health: https://insight.qld.edu.au/shop/vape-check#:~:text=Vape%20Check%20is%20a%20guided,Check%20before%20using%20the%20tool.

Christopher Kalodikis and Robert Naumoski have over 20 years of teaching experience. Chris teaches Computing and is the founder of Maximum Education. Rob teaches Mathematics and is the founder of The Coaching College and owner of Ultimate Defence Academy.