Varsity College launches health-based awareness programs to address illegal vaping on school grounds
A Gold Coast school has implemented a bold plan and tough punishment to address students illegally vaping on school grounds.
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ILLEGAL vaping on school grounds remains a major health concern across the Gold Coast, with Varsity College the latest school to address the problem.
In a letter to parents, head of senior school Greg Morgan said the school had developed and implemented health-based vaping awareness programs with its students.
“As part of our harm minimisation program and also focusing on student health, we are raising awareness and educating our students about the harmful effects vaping can have on our children,” he said.
“This will continue across all year levels in an effort to educate students on the potential health risks associated with vaping.”
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Students who use, possess or distribute vapes at the school or while in their uniform out of school, will be disciplined in accordance with the college’s student code of conduct. Punishment is either suspension or exclusion.
A concerned parent from the school said her year 9 student saw kids vaping in the bathrooms at school “all the time” and that vapes were easy for teenagers to buy.
“Some local variety shops sell them directly to kids, it’s such a problem in all schools and until authorities clamp down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, it’s just going to get worse,” she said.
It comes after a vaping scandal rocked the Gold Coast’s most elite private girls school in June, with a senior leader from St Hilda’s suspended for the selling of vape canisters to younger students. The school confirm disciplinary action was taken.
Vaping is the process of inhaling vapour through electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices.
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All e-cigarettes contain potentially harmful chemicals, most contain a flavour, and many contain nicotine which is highly addictive and harmful.
Current Australian law prohibits any vape being sold to those under 18 years of age and it is illegal for anyone to sell or possess a nicotine-based vape unless prescribed by a medical doctor for therapeutic use such as help to quit smoking.
Originally published as Varsity College launches health-based awareness programs to address illegal vaping on school grounds
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