Letter to NT principals highlights new anti-vaping laws to come

A letter to NT principals has outlined a three-pronged approach to curbing vaping in schools, including harsher laws and penalties.

Stronger anti-vaping laws are on the horizon in an effort to curb school-based vaping.

Severe vaping regulations are on the horizon in an effort to curb a health crisis affecting 16 per cent of the nation’s high schoolers.

In a letter sent to Territory principals last week, the NT and federal governments said 2024 anti-vaping efforts would revolve around import bans, quitting resources and stricter rules for vape distributors.

“Classroom disruptions and disciplinary issues related to vaping are placing an unsustainable burden on teachers and school leaders,” the letter said.

“Young vapers are three times more likely to take up tobacco smoking, perpetuating a cycle of addiction.”

NT Principals Association president Robyn Thorpe.

NT Principals Association president Robyn Thorpe welcomed the national approach to vaping.

It comes after the NT government began installing vaping sensors in schools, which Ms Thorpe said was “only one solution and a costly one at that”.

“Vaping in schools has been an emerging and alarming problem for the past number of years which we have raised with our Minister and Department since 2020,” she said.

“This is not just an education issue but a health issue so the greater the education campaign through media, the greater influence and impact.

“Education campaigns need to be directed through social media which young people tend to use to have impact.”

Ms Thorpe said the union had seen a decrease in the number of school vaping incidents over the past 12 months.

It comes seven months after the NT government launched its campaign against vaping in government schools, targeting kids aged 13-17.

The NT government is rolling out a new education campaign within schools to warn students of the harms of vaping. Picture: Annabel Bowles

The NT government is rolling out a new education campaign within schools to warn students of the harms of vaping. Picture: Annabel Bowles

A federal Health Department spokeswoman said restrictions including limiting flavours to mint, menthol, or tobacco were introduced from March 1.

The spokeswoman said there were “transitional arrangements” in place until July 1 to allow time for vape sponsors and distributors to comply with the new requirements.

“During 2024, product standards for therapeutic vapes will also be strengthened, including to limit the ingredients that can be included in therapeutic vapes, to reduce permissible nicotine concentrations, and to require pharmaceutical labelling and packaging,” she said.

The spokeswoman said the Australian government would also propose legislation to prohibit domestic manufacture, supply, advertisement and commercial possession of non-therapeutic vapes and disposable single use vapes.

She said the proposed legislation would also introduce new offence and civil penalties.

“The proposed offences and civil penalty provisions are expected to attract substantial penalties to deter unlawful conduct,” she said.

“The proposed penalties will be published when the legislation is introduced in Parliament.

“There will be no penalties for people who possess limited quantities of vapes for personal use.”