Vapes we have heard of, but have you heard of Snus?
As many parents would know, vaping has increased in prevalence, either through access or visibility for adolescents in Australia. This is an unfortunate and major concern for us at William Carey Christian School. As new trends emerge, such as nicotine pouches and Snus, it is essential for us as teachers and parents to work together and stay informed about the risks associated with these substances. At William Carey, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards vaping, as we remain committed to keeping our students safe and protecting their well-being. Please read on as I discuss the changing landscape of vape laws, and the dangers posed by alternative tobacco products, and provide some links to resources to help parents.
Recently, vape laws have changed, and as of 1 July 2024, the way Australians can access vapes has shifted significantly. Non-pharmacy retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores, are no longer permitted to sell any type of vape. Although it remains illegal to sell e-cigarettes, young people can still gain access illegally via the internet and social media. Unfortunately, these are the products being targeted at and purchased by adolescent Australians.
We need to illustrate to our young people that, by purchasing vape products, they are supporting a multi-billion-dollar illegal addictive drug trade in products that have been shown to be both highly addictive and deadly. While we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards buying, selling, swapping, sharing, giving, or using vaping products at William Carey, we need to ensure that our young people are aware that, not only are they potentially damaging their health and risking their place at the school if they choose to participate in vaping, they are also contributing to the enormous wealth, power, and influence of the international tobacco lobby.
Now there is something new: Snus.
Snus is a smokeless tobacco (SLT) product which is gaining popularity among youth, as are nicotine pouches. These products are marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking and vaping, yet they still pose significant health risks. Both are discreetly placed under the upper lip, allowing nicotine absorption through the gums. Like vapes, they come in a variety of flavours and strengths, with unregulated nicotine levels leading to inconsistent and misleading labelling.
SchoolTV is a valuable Web resource for parents. You can find more information about Smokeless Tobacco Products here: SchoolTV’s Special Report on Smokeless Tobacco Products.
We need to be vigilant and support our children in making wise choices while discussing the impact these drugs can have on their health.
The Bible, the word of God, provides us with wisdom and guidance that can transform our lives. We know parenting can be a difficult journey to navigate. William Carey Christian School provides parents with access to SchoolTV, an online resource that supports families in addressing the challenges of parenting. Whether it’s topics like vaping, sleep, or studying, SchoolTV offers valuable insight. To explore more, visit SchoolTV.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Hudson
Deputy Principal – High School
HSLS Assembly
The High School Learning Support Assembly was held on Friday, 13th September. Our LSU students were commended for their excellent work this year. Congratulations and well done to all our students!
