e-cigarettes or 'vaping' is a health and safety concern for students and young people in our community who are often unaware of the risks associated with the practice.
The NSW Department of Education has advised schools that students should not bring e-cigarettes or e-cigarette accessories onto school premises or use them during school-based activities.
Consistent with the Department of Education and school policy - vaping, selling, or being in the possession of e-cigarettes will result in disciplinary action that may lead to a student being suspended from school.
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour produced by an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer. The vapour can contain nicotine and other substances and may expose users to chemicals and toxins which are harmful to health. The devices are small and can be easily hidden in a pocket or bag. The most popular disposable vapes resemble large USB sticks or highlighter pens.
The Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 was amended in 2015 to define e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories to be separate from tobacco products. The Act makes many of the provisions that apply to tobacco products also apply to e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories. The Act makes it an offence:
- to sell e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories to persons aged under 18; and
- for adults to buy e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories on behalf of persons aged under 18.
Parents, carers, and the community can support the school and our students by being informed about this ongoing concern and to speak to their children about making positive decisions. Additional information to support parents, carers, community, and students can be found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/electronic-cigarettes.aspx
For more information handouts supplied by the Cancer Council NSW are available below.
NSW Health takes non-compliance with tobacco and e-cigarette laws seriously and NSW Health officers undertake inspections of retailers to ensure they are complying with the laws.
If you think a retail store is selling e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, or selling any tobacco or e-cigarette products to minors, please report it to NSW Health by completing the online reporting form: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx, or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
Further information on Ee-cigarettes is available on the NSW Health website at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-young-people.aspx
