E-cigarettes were once widely regarded as products that could help smokers quit. However, in Australia, they have become popular recreational products, particularly among urban youth.
The Australian government perceives e-cigarettes as a threat to public health, especially for those who have never smoked before. Research shows that about one-sixth of Australians aged 14 to 17 have tried e-cigarettes, and approximately one-fourth of those aged 18 to 24 have experimented with them.
The number of cases involving e-cigarette use has significantly increased, including among teenagers and even primary school students, according to student health advisors.
Parents seeking treatment for their children aged 12 to 24 have observed a significant rise, with one contributing factor being e-cigarette use. The popularity of e-cigarettes has surged among those under 18.
The latest research survey reveals that teachers, nurses, and students in primary and secondary schools have reported instances of children as young as 11 vaping on school premises. Additionally, e-cigarette transactions frequently occur within schools, with some students purchasing large quantities and reselling them to others.
Teachers state that these e-cigarettes are easily concealed within schools due to their designs resembling everyday items such as pens, highlighters, and USB drives. Moreover, the scent of e-cigarettes quickly dissipates.
There is currently no available data specific to South Australia. However, in Queensland, the number of suspensions related to drug use doubled last year, surpassing 8,000 cases. A significant portion of these suspensions was attributed to e-cigarette use. In Western Australia, there were 3,732 instances of students being suspended from public schools due to e-cigarette use.
Last year, the Western Australian government seized over 15,000 disposable nicotine e-cigarettes from retailers across the state within a six-week period. Selling e-cigarettes containing nicotine to anyone without a license is illegal, regardless of the purchaser’s age.
As the use of e-cigarettes explodes among young people, the federal government is facing increasing pressure. Comprehensive regulatory reforms for e-cigarettes at the national level are expected to be implemented this year. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has submitted reform recommendations to the federal government following public consultations.
The Australian Convenience Stores Association is advocating for a model similar to New Zealand’s, where nicotine e-cigarettes are sold to adults just like traditional cigarettes.
Currently, the federal government is working with state health ministers to develop new measures regarding e-cigarette use. Meanwhile, parents and teachers are doing their best to address the impact of e-cigarettes on school campuses.
