On Wednesday 4 June we welcomed Tanya Cavanagh, CEO of Teen Challenge Tasmania and founder of the NotEvenOnce program. Tanya has been at the forefront of educating young people and their families about the dangers of vaping and delivered a very engaging and informative session to parents. Her insights are crucial for parents aiming to protect their children from the growing vaping crisis.

Tanya’s presentation unpacked the myths young people believe, the dangers of vaping, how the industry targets youth, and the increasingly discreet ways vaping is being hidden in school and at home.

Myths Debunked

Common misconceptions about vaping:

  • “It’s just water vapor”: Vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals, not just water.
  • “It’s safer than smoking”: While some believe vaping is less harmful, it still poses significant health risks.\
  • “Everyone is doing it”: Contrary to popular belief, most teens choose not to vape.

Health Risks Associated with Vaping

  • EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury): A severe lung condition linked to vaping, with cases reported in Australia, including fatalities.
  • Cardiovascular Concerns: High nicotine levels in vapes can elevate blood pressure and adrenaline, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
  • Oral Health Issues: Vaping can lead to dry mouth, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

How Teens Are Hiding Vapes

A concerning trend Tanya highlighted is how discreet vaping devices have become:

  • Vapes disguised as USBs, highlighters, or pens make them hard to detect in school bags or pencil cases.
  • Hidden use is common, with students using hoodie drawstrings or holding vapor in to avoid detection.
  • Online trends show teens sharing tips on how to hide vape use from adults – further complicating parental awareness.

Parents are encouraged to be vigilant and familiar with how these devices look and operate.

Industry Tactics & Youth Appeal

The vaping industry targets young people through:

  • Sweet flavours (e.g., bubblegum, mango)
  • Youth-focused packaging
  • Heavy promotion via social media influencers

These tactics make vaping seem harmless and even fashionable—masking the real dangers involved.

Staying informed about the realities of vaping is essential for safeguarding our youth. Engaging in honest conversations and challenging misconceptions can make a significant difference. It’s vital we work together to keep our children safe and well-informed.

Did you miss the parents’ seminar? A very similar one was recorded last week which you can access below.

NotEvenOnce Vaping and Schools Info and QandA – Zoom

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director Wellbeing – Penquite