The Federal Government just launched a war on vaping, with Health Minister Mark Butler naming it “the number one behavioural issue in high schools”.
He also said that it’s becoming widespread in primary schools.
The ‘war’ includes announcing measures to stamp out recreational use of vaping – especially among the young – backed up by stronger legislation and enforcement action.
The government’s plan is to work with all states and territories to create a cohesive clamp-down on the increasing black market in vaping – including illegal imports of non-prescription vapes. The moves will see vape sales at convenience stores come to an end, although it will become easier for eligible people to get a vaping prescription for legitimate therapeutic use.
To support the serious approach being taken, the Health Minister revealed that one in six Australian teenagers between the ages of 14-17, and one in four people aged 18-24, have vaped.
“By contrast,” he said, “only one in 70 people my age has vaped.”
Are you concerned about vape use with younger people in your life? Do you notice older people dropping smoking habits in favour of vaping? What do you think of these tough new measures?
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