Federal Government says ‘major public health breakthrough’ found to tackle school vaping scourge

A school-based program aimed at preventing teens from vaping has been dubbed a “major public health breakthrough” by the Albanese Government following the results of research into the initiative.

The OurFutures education program is targeted at year 7 and 8 students and uses cartoon-based stories, quizzes, and classroom activities to inform and empower kids away from vaping.

Fresh research funded by the Albanese Government has found students were 65 per cent less likely to vape in the 12 months after completing the program compared to those who hadn’t.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to fund this work - education, prevention, demand reduction is a critical part of our vaping strategy,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

“This highly prestigious, evidence base program, that has been proven to work at the 40 schools where it was trialled, will now be funded by the Federal Government to roll-out in every single high-school.”

The research published in the global Lancet Public Health Journal on Tuesday, performed a randomised controlled trial of 5,157 students across 40 schools in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

It found 80 per cent of students who engaged in the program believed the content would help them handle vaping situations in the future.

University of Sydney’s Dr Lauren Gardner said OurFutures was modelled off evidence-backed research by the Matilda Centre in Mental Health and Substance Use, with input from teachers and students.

“It’s a four lessen education and skills building program. It’s really a full toolkit for schools that they can use, ready, plug and play, minimal preparation required from teachers,” Dr Gardner said.

“The OurFutures vaping program is currently the only program in Australia that is proven to reduce student likelihood of vaping. So this (research) is the gold standard type of evaluation evidence that we can get.”

Health Minister Mark Butler implored all jurisdictions, including WA, to step up their enforcement action and strengthen laws to combat the supply of vapes.

Earlier this month WA’s chief health officer told state budget estimates no illegal vape suppliers had been fined because current legislation doesn’t allow for it.

“Under the Act, there are no infringement powers to issue fines for vapes. They have to be taken to prosecution (and) a number of prosecutions are in train at this stage,” Dr Andrew Robertson conceded.

Minister Butler said he had a “good discussion” with his state counterparts about the lack of enforcement, but ultimately it was their responsibility to address.

He urged WA authorities to take note of other success stories - like South Australia which has conferred powers to a relevant minister to order the closure of shops which illegally sell vapes. In New South Wales, Premier Chris Minns has also introduced tougher laws to fine and shut down illegal suppliers.