Alarming new report on Aussie teens using e-cigarettes

Teachers have revealed grim new vaping statistics among high-school teens in Australian schools in a new study.

Teachers have recorded an increase in school vaping among teens and children. Picture: Supplied

A new study has revealed grim new e-cigarette usage among teens, with more than 80 per cent of teachers reporting at least some of their high-school students vaping.

The study, published in the Australian New Zealand Journal of Public Health on Thursday, surveyed almost 200 teachers working in primary and secondary education around Australia.

More than 70 per cent of teachers found an increase in vaping among students, while primary school teachers reported a 27 per cent hike among primary school pupils.

Across both primary and secondary education, more than half of the teachers said there had been a “deterioration” in students’ mental wellbeing, social/peer interactions and sporting performance, with just under half reporting negative effects on their academic performance.

Vaping has increased in Australian schools. Picture: Supplied.

Some common changes in students’ moods included irritability, greater restlessness, decreased class attendance and increase lateness to lessons.

The most commonly cited motives among the teens were “they think they are cool or intriguing” at 50 per cent and “they think they are less harmful than regular cigarettes” at 46 per cent.

A further 44 per cent of teens used the devices “out of curiosity”, while 42 per cent vaped because “a friend uses them”.

Across the board, government schools were more likely than independent schools to report these outcomes, with teachers reporting a major shift in school culture.

Vapes have been found in tobacco stores across the country, with children relying on people over the age of 18 to purchase for them. Picture: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

The George Institute for Global Health lead author Simone Pettigrew said data from other countries suggests vaping is growing among primary school children, although it is unknown how common it is in Australia.

“Our study suggests many Australian students can readily access e-cigarettes and that vaping in schools is becoming more prevalent, including in primary schools,” she said.

The most common times for school students to vape is before or after school, lunchtime and free periods.

Primary and secondary students regularly vaping on school grounds, mainly in bathrooms and sports fields.

Despite growing vape trends among children, only one-third of teachers reported educating kids on vaping prevention.

The study follows a warning from Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath on the dangers of vaping.

“Queensland Health warns that there are many known harms that arise from e-cigarettes and vaping and young people are among those at greatest risk of harm,’’ she said.

“At this point in time, there is insufficient evidence to support claims that e-cigarettes are safe.’’

Originally published as Alarming new report on Aussie teens using e-cigarettes