A first-of-its-kind digital education program available to schools across Sunraysia is being hailed a success in curbing teen vaping rates.
A study published in Lancet Public Health shows the program run by the OurFutures Institute reduces the likelihood of teens vaping by 65% compared to standard health education.
It comes as latest government figures suggest teens vaping rates are starting to decline, however health experts warn they’re still unacceptably high.
Led by Dr Lauren Gardner and Prof Nicola Newton at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, the study involved more than 5,000 students across three Australian states, making it the largest trial of its kind.
Dr Lauren Gardner said: “Adolescents who vape are being exposed to harmful and addictive chemicals during critical stages of brain development. This can affect the brain’s reward pathway and increase the risk of addiction to both nicotine and other substances.”
The study comes amid new government figures which show that while there is more to do, vaping rates are starting to decline among young people in Australia following sustained investment and campaigns.
For more information on the program or how your school or community can get involved, visit: www.ourfuturesinstitute.org.au.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/uwell-vape-electronic-cigarette-3852655/
