Life Ed.

The issue

The use of e-cigarettes is increasing among young people. Research has shown of those aged 18–24, 64% of current smokers and 20% of non-smokers have tried e-cigarettes compared to 49% and 13.6% in 2016. For Aussie adolescents between 12-17 years old, 14% have tried e-cigarettes, with 32% of these students admitting to vaping in the last month

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has also found that e-cigarette use by Australians aged 14 or older more than doubled between 2016 and 2019.

The project

Reality Now is a drug and alcohol program delivered in secondary schools, using an interactive survey tool designed to explore students' existing attitudes, perceptions and behaviours about alcohol and drug use and dispel myths surrounding their peers' use.

nib foundation proudly supported the role out of the Reality Now program in secondary schools across NSW in 2020 and 2021. We are delighted to continue our partnership through supporting Life Ed. to broaden the health subjects covered in their current Reality Now program to include Vaping and e-cigarettes.

The evidence-based approach identifies and dispels perceptions around the uptake of e-cigarettes and discusses their effects on the body, both immediate and long-term. In addition, students will be educated on the laws surrounding vaping, including who can legally purchase them and marketing.

The impact

By extending the Reality Now program to include vaping, young people will be better supported to make more informed, safer and healthier choices. Reality Now hopes to break down the myths that ‘'all young people are vaping" through the delivery of tailored resources to students, parents and teachers, building their understanding and awareness of e-cigarette use.