There has been an increase in incidents involving students vaping at school. We take this issue seriously due to the negative health effects vaping can have on young people, who are often unaware of the risks associated with vaping.
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour produced by an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer. The vapour can contain nicotine and other substances. 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.
Vapes (as pictured above – about the size and look of a highlighter pen, some can be even smaller if in micro form) contain 3– 12% nicotine. Each vape contains on average 300 puffs with 14 puffs equal to 1 cigarette. Nicotine is addictive and can harm brain development, it can impact learning, memory and attention. E-cigarettes are not risk free. They may expose users and bystanders to chemicals and toxins such as propylene glycol, glycerol or ethylene glycol that cause adverse health effects, and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular, cancer and respiratory diseases.
The vape device and accessories are a prohibited item at Hunter Sports High School, during the school day and when in school uniform. Vaping, selling vapes or being in the possession of vapes could result in a suspension. Students who are in the company of others who vape will be regarded as equally involved in aiding and abetting those vaping.
Selling of vapes and e-cigarettes to people under 18 years of age is illegal. Students are not to purchase items, share, swap or sell items to other students on the school grounds.
Students are encouraged to report such behaviour. Our student voice is important to us and our students do NOT want this occurring at our school. It is important that we support our students to be empowered and feel safe in and around the school.
We are asking parents to be informed and speak to their children about this ongoing concern, for them to make positive decisions for themselves. Additional information to support parents and students can be found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/electronic-cigarettes.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-young-people.aspx
The following link is to an informative video for parents created by the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwSGPzGxnSY
If you have any concerns or further questions please contact the school.