Health professionals are concerned about the popularity of vapes and increase in young people trying vaping. 

On November 17, CCSP, in conjunction with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, will be offering parents and carers the opportunity to attend a webinar with Paul Dillon, Director and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA).

Details how to register for this event will be available on the CCSP website Upcoming Webinars.

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for more than 25 years. Through his own business, DARTA he has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

Some facts about vapes. Young people may think they are simply inhaling flavoured water, this is far from the truth. Vapes can have the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, often called ‘vapes’, are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes available and they can be difficult to spot. The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glycerol, and they often also contain nicotine, flavours and other chemicals. Vapes may contain harmful chemicals that aren’t listed on the pack.
The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe. Source NSW Health.

NSW Health is urging parents and carers to find out more about vaping and talk with young people about the risks. 

NSW Health have created factsheets for parents and carers. You can access the above fact sheet here  or a different Vaping fact sheet for parents and carers here. 

There is a separate factsheet for young people.

What you can do as a parent or carer?

There are ways you can help protect your children from vaping:

• Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.
• Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about on it, or seeing people vaping on the street.
• If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them.
• Learn about the different types of vapes available and the risks associated with using these products.
• Set a good example by being tobacco or vape free.

Support to help your child quit vaping

• Book an appointment with their general practitioner or other health service for help to quit vaping.
• Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service, offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors provide tips and strategies, and help to plan your child's quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. They can also help you think of ways to approach a conversation with your child or loved one about vaping.
• The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service.

CCSP suggests if you have concerns about your child vaping speak with your child and teacher.