In a major speech today, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler declared that vaping has become "the number one behavioural issue in high schools." As a response to this growing concern, the government has proposed a series of reforms aimed at reducing vaping. But what does the research tell us about the prevalence of vaping in schools and the behavioural issues associated with it? In this article, we will delve into the findings of the Generation Vape study, which explores teen vape use and provides valuable insights into this topic.
How Prevalent is Vaping in High Schools?
According to our research, out of the 721 young people surveyed:
32% had tried vaping at least once, earning them the label of "ever-vapers."
Among the ever-vapers, 54% had never smoked cigarettes before starting vaping.
Young people who had previously smoked were seven times more likely to be ever-vapers compared to those who had never smoked.
Ever-vapers were also found to be 18 times more likely to be ever-smokers than those who had never vaped.
Interestingly, the primary motivation behind vaping for most respondents was the variety of flavors available. Roughly one in three teenagers have experimented with vaping, indicating a significant increase in usage compared to just a few years ago.
We also examined the frequency of vaping and discovered that 10% of the respondents typically used vapes on six or more days per month. However, since the majority of users were occasional vapers, there is an opportunity to intervene before these individuals develop an addiction. Occasional users expressed curiosity and a desire to experience the nicotine "hit" without imagining themselves becoming addicted. Unfortunately, many of them do end up addicted, underscoring the urgent need for a public health response.
Additional findings from our study include:
More than half of those who tried vaping for the first time were under the age of 16.
Over half of the ever-vapers reported using vapes containing nicotine.
Vaping is perceived as a socially acceptable behavior distinct from smoking.
One 17-year-old ever-vaper shared that "no one" purchases non-nicotine devices because they do not provide the desired effects, making them seemingly pointless and a waste of money. Another 17-year-old who had previously vaped mentioned that although vapes without nicotine are available, they are not very popular. The nicotine content is typically indicated on the packaging and commonly stands at 5%.
Insights from Teachers, Principals, and School Administrators
During our surveys and interviews with teachers, principals, and school administrators, we made the following observations:
58% of teachers confiscated vaping products from students at least twice a week.
86% of teachers expressed concern or great concern about vaping among students in their school.
62% of teachers were aware of vaping products being sold on school grounds.
Teachers highlighted the need to police students by searching their bags and pencil cases, with managing vaping as a disciplinary issue consuming valuable teaching time. Principals and school administrators mentioned the following challenges:
Using school funds to install vape detectors in school toilets.
Liaising with parents of children caught vaping.
Addressing safety concerns arising from individuals selling vapes to students near the school gate.
It is important to emphasize that children who are addicted to vaping should not be expelled from school. They are not at fault for their addiction, which is why a public health response is necessary instead of a punitive approach.
According to a principal we interviewed, vaping is currently the most disruptive issue in their school. Another teacher recounted instances where students would deny vaping despite being caught, leading to prolonged disputes and significant time being diverted away from teaching. A different principal expressed the need for external support beyond the school environment to address the issue effectively.
Behavioural Issues Linked to Vaping in School
Teens who vape regularly reported experiencing various behavioural issues, including:
Nicotine Withdrawal: Many students experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms while at school, which can manifest as anxiety or stress. It is important to note that these students often vape for their mental well-being without realizing that the stress they feel is actually linked to their addiction.
Sneaking Out of Class: Students frequently engage in the act of sneaking out of class to vape, which disrupts their learning and poses a challenge for teachers in maintaining a focused classroom environment.
Difficulty Focusing: Vaping can lead to feelings of distraction and difficulty concentrating in the classroom, affecting students' academic performance.
Stress and Hiding: Students who vape often feel stressed about hiding their vaping devices and the act of vaping itself while at school. This added pressure can negatively impact their overall well-being and contribute to a tense school environment.
A 17-year-old respondent shared their observation of peers seeking vapes early in the morning, displaying signs of dependence and addiction. They believed that heavy users primarily engage in vaping due to addiction rather than other motivations.
The Necessary Response Based on Evidence
The evidence unequivocally demonstrates the urgent need to restrict young people's access to vaping products. Making these products harder to obtain is crucial in curbing their usage.
Remarkably, approximately 80% of our survey respondents confirmed that acquiring vapes was easy, with information circulating about who sells them within school premises or near the school gate. Consequently, the government's proposed importation ban holds significant importance, and it is essential for state and territorial authorities to collaborate with the federal government to remove vapes from corner shops and petrol stations. Reducing access will mitigate the exposure of children to vaping products during their daily commutes to school.
Is Vaping the Top Behavioural Issue in High Schools?
While it is impossible to provide a definitive answer, the data strongly suggests that vaping is indeed a substantial issue in high schools. In our survey, 86% of teachers expressed "high concern" about vaping within their schools. Additionally, interviews with teachers consistently revealed that vaping is a predominant issue they face outside the classroom.
Considering the multitude of challenges schools confront, reducing or eliminating vaping-related concerns would be a significant step forward.