Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care

Clearing the air: how parents can take control of the discussion about vaping

Vaping has become a significant concern for parents, educators, and health professionals as vaping rates amongst young people have sky rocketed in the last five years. For you as parents, recognising whether your child is vaping can be challenging. Telltale signs include the presence of vaping paraphernalia such as e-cigarettes, cartridges, or unusual USB drives, as well as physical symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or a persistent throat irritation. If you were to discover that your child was vaping, it’s crucial to approach the situation with understanding and support. Engaging in open conversations about the health risks and expressing genuine concern for your child’s wellbeing are essential. You might also seek professional medical advice and consider counselling or cessation programs designed for adolescents.

The health concerns associated with vaping are serious and multifaceted. Vaping devices can expose users to harmful chemicals known to cause cancer, respiratory problems, and addiction. Nicotine, commonly found in e-liquids, is highly addictive and can hinder adolescent brain development, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and behavioural issues. Young people often cite curiosity, peer pressure, anxiety relief and the appeal of flavoured e-liquids as reasons for vaping. The misconception that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking may also contribute to its prevalence among youth.

Our Pastoral Care and PDHPE curriculum in Stages 3 and 4 contains educational content around the risks of vaping. Our students are certainly aware of the dangers of this habit via their classroom learning. Combining this learning with calm and informed discussion at home can provide our young people with knowledge and support.

At Santa Sabina, vaping at school or in your school uniform outside of school is a serious offence and will result in a College suspension. Vaping is a violation of our student code of conduct. Nonetheless, when we find ourselves in the position of responding to a student who has been caught vaping our primary concern is for their health and wellbeing. Our discussions with students and families will revolve around the underlying issues that may be leading to the decision to vape and what support the school can offer to help the student make healthier choices. Part of the suspension process includes scheduled time with the College psychologist and the completion of an online vaping education module. 

The College encourages you to have conversations with your children about vaping. Dialogue that revolves around trust and understanding will be the most active tool in preventing the take up of vaping by our young people. 

Useful resources for parents:

Youth vaping conversation guide for parents and carers

Youth vaping fact sheet for parents and carers

Youth vaping FAQs for parents and carers

Melanie van der Meer
Deputy Principal Mission and Pastoral Care