In the lead up to school holidays, NSW Health is urging parents and carers to be aware of the dangers of vaping among young people.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant encouraged parents to have early conversations with young people to help discourage vaping.
“We are encouraging parents to be aware of the dangers vapes pose and to be on the lookout for devices which could look like USB sticks, pens or highlighters,” Dr Chant said.
“Vapes contain dangerous ingredients which could cause irreversible damage to the health and development of young people,” she said.
“There is no such thing as a safe vape.”
Dr Chant said NSW Health was aware that there were links between mental health concerns and vaping among young people.
She said that earlier this year, NSW Health launched a toolkit for parents as part of its Do You Know What You’re Vaping? awareness campaign.
The doctor said the toolkit contained information and guides to have a conversation with children about the dangers of vaping.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said evidence showed that vaping was akin to breathing in the same harmful chemicals found in weedkiller and nail polish remover, “dressed up in hundreds of flavours and bright colours to be attractive to kids”.
“The potential harm is enormous and we need to share this information with our kids,” Mr Hazzard said.
Further information on vaping for parents and carers, including the Vaping toolkit, can be accessed at this PS News link.
