Many schools are seeing an increase in vaping amongst students. Whilst promoted as a safer option to smoking, it has risks. It is also illegal to vape or smoke on a school site.

The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020 commenced on 11 November 2020, amending the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 and renaming it to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.

Vaping and smoking is prohibited by law on school grounds. It is also an offence to sell nicotine vaping products to young people aged under 18.

This site https://www.vapingfacts.health.nz/ gives useful information on the facts around vaping.  A recent article in North and South sends a thought-provoking message on understanding the rise of teen vaping.

Many of the liquids used in vaping contain substantial amounts of nicotine and other substances.  The risks associated with long-term vaping are unknown.

In Health classes, students are taught the risks of smoking and vaping and we ask that you support this message at home. The school has also had a session with staff to develop their understanding of the issues surrounding teen vaping and how we can educate and inform students and parents.

If students are caught on-site vaping or smoking there are a number of discipline measures that we use. We also aim to educate. In recognition of it being against the law, the Police may be involved if offences continue.