BCHS welcomes essential vaping reforms
- Tuesday 2 May 2023
- Written by Lauren Mitchell
Bendigo Community Health Services has welcomed government reforms to tighten regulations on highly dangerous and additive nicotine vaping products.
BCHS has led the local conversation about the dangers of vaping, having witnessed first-hand the impact on young people in particular.
Senior Health Promotion Officer Siobhan Sullivan said following community concern from schools and parents on the increased use of e-cigarettes among young people, last year BCHS launched the ‘there’s no safe vape’ campaign.
“We see these reforms as significant step that will deliver real change, particularly for young people,” Siobhan said.
“We’ve been delivering education, online and in person, to schools, parents and young people with the message that there is no safe way to vape.
“Still, we have seen a worrying and steady rise in vaping in our region, especially among teenagers.
“Although it is illegal for people under the age of 18 to purchase vapes in Australia, some retail and online stores are readily selling them.
“Earlier this year we submitted our feedback to the government’s proposed reforms to the regulation of nicotine vaping products, and we’re encouraged that many of our ideas are reflected in today’s announcement.”