School students from across Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) have designed eye-catching and informative posters that highlight the health impacts of vaping, as part of a District-led competition held in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day on Friday 31 May 2024.
MLHD Health Promotion Coordinator, Catherine Pratt said the students have created posters by selecting the messaging that resonated with them the most, highlighting the harmful effects of vaping and the help that is available.
"The poster competition provides an opportunity for young people to make positive changes in their own lives and gives them a voice to make an impact on their peers and school communities across MLHD," Ms Pratt said.
"Vapes can contain over 200 chemicals known to harm human health, including the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.
"Vapes are not safe and have been made to appeal to minors by using flavoured and bright coloured packaging when in fact they can contain dangerous chemicals and nicotine.
"Those thinking about quitting vaping who are finding it tough to fight the nicotine cravings are encouraged to reach out for support if they need the extra help."
Wellbeing Nurse at Barham High School, Jem Boyd, said the poster competition ran alongside a school education program which aims to teach the entire school community about the harmful health effects of vaping and the support available to quit.
"Young people can really make an impact when they deliver these health messages to their peers, and the poster competition was a fantastic opportunity to reinforce this," Ms Boyd said.
"Our school really appreciates the support of the MLHD health promotion team in coordinating this valuable health message to deliver best possible outcomes for our students."
The winning posters are on display this week at the Wagga Marketplace, Griffith Central Shopping Centre and the Retro Lane Café in Albury.
You can find facts and helpful resources about vaping at www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaping
Attached images:
- Winner Year 7-8: Lyla, Junee High School
- Winner Year 9-10: Narin, Marian Catholic College Griffith
- Winner Year 11-12: Maddison, Billabong High School
