Shepparton Notre Dame College suspends students for vaping

A Shepparton private college has suspended a group of students for vaping on school grounds amid concerns about the emerging craze.

A group of students have been caught vaping on school grounds at Notre Dame College.

Fifteen students have been suspended from a private college in Shepparton after they were caught vaping on school grounds amid concerns about the emerging craze.

It is believed the Notre Dame College students were suspended during term two following a school crackdown.

Despite vaping being banned in all educational facilities in Victoria, a parent of a Year 10 student said it had become a “big issue” with the Year 8s.

“From what I’ve heard a group of students had been selling refill cartridges,” she said.

“A lot of the kids think it’s cool … they need to be educated about the risks.”

The school was unable to confirm the number of students suspended but said they completed an educational assignment on the dangers of vaping including a reflective journal entry.

“Teenagers at Notre Dame College are no different from any others and we have had some students experimenting with vapes at school,” a spokesperson said.

“As with any breach of our policies, the students have been sent home until a meeting with parents and guardians can occur, usually within 24 hours.”

Education Minister James Merlino has since requested an audit on what resources schools have across the state to find out whether more programs are needed.

“It is an important issue that deserves greater attention,” Mr Merlino said.

“It is important our schools lead the way in educating young people in terms of the impact of vaping can have on your health … to identify if we need further education programs and support in our schools.”

One Shepparton shop owner, who asked not to be named, said there had been an increase in young people buying the e-cigarette.

“I always ask for ID and some get upset,” they said.

“They say they can get them from other places but why not me.”

The growing trend is widespread with students at Moama Anglican Grammar, a private school on the Victorian and NSW border, also caught smoking e-cigarettes on school grounds.

In an email to parents the school said it was taking proactive measures to address the issue.

Goulburn Valley teenager Danielle* said she had been vaping for six months as a substitute for tobacco.

“I’ve found it takes me off cigarettes and has taken away urges,” the 16-year-old said.

Another Shepparton teen, Hayley*, 17, said she had only found the trend about three months ago.

But she said she would “most likely” continue to with her new habit.

*Not the teenager’s real names