Griffith University experts have released a highly effective free toolkit to tackle teen vaping and say respect for student's intelligence was the best tool.
As traditional approaches fail, vaping among teens had surged and Australian schools stand on the frontline of this hidden epidemic.
The toolkit, crafted by the Blurred Minds team, included the top five ways to end teen vaping at school, and drew from more than 250 vaping workshops conducted with around 20,000 students.
Social Marketing @ Griffith Research Fellow James Durl said schools which adopt this strategy can become centres of prevention.
"Teens are sharp, and they see through scare tactics and lectures," Mr Durl said.
"What works is treating them like the critical thinkers they are, and that's when the real conversations begin.
"This approach equips teachers with some of the most impactful and engaging activities to address teen vaping in the classroom.
"The vaping industry isn't just selling a product, it's selling manipulation – once students understand how they're being played, they're far more likely to push back and make smarter choices.
"We need to step up our game and teach young people what's really going on.
"This isn't just about telling kids to stop vaping, it's about empowering them with the tools to think critically, see through the marketing, and make informed choices for their future."
Blurred Minds founder and Griffith University Associate Professor Timo Dietrich said their approach was grounded in gamification and interactive modules, and was helping reshape how schools, teachers, and parents address vaping education.
"Education is the most powerful tool we have to combat teen vaping," Associate Professor Dietrich said.
"By treating students with respect, equipping them with critical thinking skills, and exposing industry manipulation, we can empower a generation to make informed, healthier choices."
Blurred Minds will launch the free toolkit titled The 5 Eye-Opening Lessons Learned from 250 Vaping Workshops with 20,000 Students, at a nation-wide seminar 'How to end vaping in your school' on Thursday 19 September 2024.
Register here: How to End Vaping in Your School – Blurred Minds
