Cairns parents angered and confused by mass vaping among school students

Cairns parents are angry and confused about a surge in the number of schoolchildren taking up vaping, with most calling to better education for both the students and themselves. Read what they’re saying and join the conversation.

Cairns parents are confused about the spike in vaping in young children, with some parents fearful as the habit becomes “rife.”

Anina Strengell, a parent at Mother of Good Counsel School said there needed to be increased education around the topic and it’s health impacts.

“I have heard kids in high schools are vaping in school toilets, and with one of my children starting high school next year, it’s scary to think she’ll be exposed to it,” she said.

“I don’t even know what to say because I don’t even think I understand what’s happening,” she said.

It comes after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called an inquiry into vaping, saying she is concerned by use among young people.

Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke on Sunday about the inquiry into vaping. Sunday 12th March 2023 – Photo: Steve Pohlner

Another MOGCS parent Toni, who did not want her last name disclosed, said she felt strongly about the crisis with two young children in school.

“It’s absolutely rife throughout schools,” she said.

“There’s nothing different about vapes from cigarettes and it’s not just up to the school, parents need to step up.”
She said if the government doesn’t get on top of the problem soon, the healthcare sector will suffer.

Vaping among schoolchildren has become a significant concern. Picture: iStock

“Ultimately it’s going to cost us so much money,” she said.

“We need to see one policy Australia-wide, and action needs to be taken immediately.”

Dad Craig Camarlinghi said he hated every part of smoking and its prevalence in the youth.

“It’s scary for our children,” he said.

“I hate smoking myself, I never grew up around it. But vaping is everywhere, thank God for the inquiry.”

Announcing the inquiry earlier this month, Ms Palaszczuk said she was hearing accounts of primary school children vaping during their lunch hours.

“So I think we need an educational campaign to really inform the public about what is actually in these vapes,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

A number of students have been suspended from Emmaus College Rockhampton after a video surfaced of students vaping in a toilet block.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath acknowledged vaping products could contain nicotine, despite products being marketed in a way that suggested they did not include the addictive substance.

“It’s important people understand the long-term health risks that may be associated with this relatively new trend,” she said.

Earlier this month, a number of students from Emmaus College Rockhampton were suspended over shocking footage of students vaping in the toilet emerged.

The video surfaced just days after the Premier’s announcement.

Originally published as Cairns parents angered and confused by mass vaping among school students