A new report from the Generation Vape research project reveals promising early indicators that Australia's new e-cigarette (vape) laws are positively influencing the perceptions and behaviours of parents and teachers with many showing their support for policies that restrict vaping. The report offers insights on changes and emerging trends following the vaping legislation reforms.
A teacher commented, "Since the new laws came into effect, I've seen fewer students using vapes at school, and it's made a noticeable difference in the school environment."
Key findings:
- Awareness of vaping harms: Awareness of the harms of vaping has increased, with 87% of parents and 93% of teachers agreeing that vapes are unsafe to use. High agreement was also noted on other harms such as addiction and lung damage.
- Support for vaping policies: There is strong support for vaping policies, with 96% of parents and 97% of teachers supporting prohibiting vaping in areas where smoking is banned, and over 90% supporting restricting vape sales to pharmacies only.
- Reduction in vape use at schools: Teacher awareness of students using vapes on school grounds has decreased, with fewer reports of frequent vape use and confiscations in this wave of data (Wave 7) compared to previous waves.
Emily Jenkinson, Projects Lead for Tobacco Control at Cancer Council NSW, highlights the significance of these findings, "Australia is among the first countries to show early signs of success in slowing or halting the rise of vape access in young people."
One parent shared, "I've noticed a significant decrease in the number of vape shops around our neighborhood, and it's reassuring to know that my children are less likely to be exposed to these harmful products."
"Parents and teachers are essential allies in reducing adolescent vaping," explains Ms Jenkinson, "their high levels of support for laws that restrict the sale of vapes to pharmacies only is a very strong indicator of the ongoing need for enforcement action that holds retailers accountable for illicit vape sales." She concludes.
