The Royal Children’s Hospital welcomes newly announced reforms and initiatives to restrict access to e-cigarettes for children and young people and educate families about the health impacts associated with vaping.

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive, especially for teens. Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development and impact learning, memory and attention.

Toxic chemicals and metals, found in the aerosol, are inhaled into the lungs which can irritate the airways and cause damage.

In 2020, the RCH identified vaping as a common health concern for Australian families through the RCH National Child Health Poll.

The Poll found that Australian parents wanted tougher restrictions on e-cigarettes in an effort to reduce uptake in teens, with half of parents supporting a total ban on the supply, sale and use of all products in Australia.

The results also found the majority of parents were concerned their teen might try e-cigarettes yet more than half of parents had never had the discussion about vaping.

Since then, the RCH has shared health information to support parents to understand the risks of e-cigarette use and empower them to address vaping with their kids.

The RCH has created a fact sheet, videos and a podcast episode that cover health risks for developing bodies, the presence of addictive chemicals like nicotine and THC and importantly, how to start a conversation with children and teenagers about e-cigarette use.

We are pleased that we have been able to play a part in this community change and will continue to research, educate and provide practical support for families on the health impacts of e-cigarette use for children and young people.

You can find RCH’s vaping resources through our Kids Health Information.