By Ms Trink Tonkes
School-based Youth Health Nurse
World No Tobacco Day 2024 is just around the corner, and this year's theme couldn't be more important: Protecting children from tobacco industry interference. This year, the theme is about shielding our children and young people from the tobacco industry's tricks, which now include vaping.
We know tobacco companies try to hook children and young people, not just with cigarettes but also with vaping. Vaping might seem safer, but it's not. It still has nicotine, which harms young brains, and its long-term effects are unclear. So, we need to talk openly about these risks and support them in making smart choices.
Tobacco and vaping both come with serious health risks. Tobacco can cause lung diseases, heart problems, and even cancer. Vaping might seem less harmful, but it's not safe either. It can damage the lungs and brain, especially in young people.
That's why we need to talk to children and young people about these dangers. We need to make sure they understand the risks and feel supported in making healthy choices. And we should work together with schools and communities to create environments where our kids aren't targeted by these harmful products.
Let's use World No Tobacco Day as a reminder to protect our children's health. Together, we can keep them safe from tobacco and vaping.
To report the illegal sale and possession of tobacco and electronic cigarettes (vapes) containing nicotine call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
For further information on vaping and tobacco visit:
Queensland Government – Vaping Exposed
Insight
Positive Choices
World Health Organization (WHO): Explore resources and materials for World No Tobacco Day at www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
Quitline: If you or someone you know needs support to quit smoking or vaping, call Quitline 13 78 48 or visit www.quit.org.au