Vaping

Vaping & E-cigarettes

What are e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that come in many forms. They all heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals. Many e-liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people, such as mango, lime and mint. The e-cigarette heat may also produce toxic substances.

They are also known as e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS), personal vaporisers, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes and juuls (pronounced ‘jewels’).

Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’.

Recommendations for parents

As a parent and caregiver, you have an important role in protecting children from e-cigarettes. 

The best way to protect your children is to never smoke or vape in the house, car or other places where there may be children nearby. Passive exposure to e-cigarette vapour can be damaging for children and young people.

In most Australian states and territories, it is illegal to use e-cigarettes in cars with children under the age of 16 present.

Parents should learn about e-cigarettes. It’s important to talk to your teen about the health risks of e-cigarettes. Many teenagers are under the misconception that e-cigarettes are safe. It is helpful to know what the different devices look like and the different words young people may use to describe using e-cigarettes. This will help you to talk about e-cigarettes with your teen.

Finally, if you are an e-cigarette user, always keep e-cigarettes and e-liquids locked away and out of reach of children.

All information courtesy of the Royal Childrens Hospital

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/

Resources and support for parents and kids

There are loads of resources and support services to learn more about vaping, nicotine and its effects, including:

• Be in informed with Vaping quick facts

• Talk to teen about vaping: using Vaping conversation guide for parents

• Understand why your teen might be vaping

• Get the facts | Quit Vaping Facts

• E-cigarettes and teens (Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne)  

• Learn more about nicotine addiction (QUIT)

• E-cigarettes and vaping (Better Health Channel)

• Learn about Australian vaping laws and other actions our governments are taking.  

Get the facts on vaping from the Quit website.

Factsheets on Vaping