In response to rapid and substantial increases in rates of e-cigarette use among young people, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) made changes to the regulations governing nicotine vaping products. As part of the regulatory change process, Australians were invited to comment on the proposed regulations, which featured the introduction of a prescription model for nicotine vaping products. To inform strategies to enhance compliance with the tightened regulations, this study examined submissions made by self-reported e-cigarette users to the TGA’s public consultation (n = 1405). A content analysis was conducted to identify and quantify key arguments. Claims about possible negative consequences associated with the regulations (e.g. people will return to smoking, inconvenience) featured in most submissions (84%). Around half (55%) of submissions mentioned perceived benefits of e-cigarettes, including favourable health outcomes (e.g. improved breathing) and enhanced tobacco cessation. Around half (52%) featured concerns about inconsistency in treatment and the argument that e-cigarettes should not be restricted when more harmful tobacco products are readily available. Alternative approaches to a prescription model were offered in nearly one-third (31%) of submissions. One-quarter (26%) included text provided by an industry-led astroturfing campaign. The arguments made in the analysed submissions suggest a lack of appreciation of (i) the negative health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use and (ii) evidence linking these devices to smoking relapse. Results highlight the need for targeted health campaigns that address (i) gaps in consumers’ knowledge and (ii) vaping-related misinformation being promulgated by the industry and its allies.
INTRODUCTION Secondary schools are a setting in which e-cigarette use among students has increased significantly, resulting in an urgent need for educators to develop and implement strategies to curb youth vaping. Research assessing school-based vaping prevention efforts is limited and largely confined to the US. This study assessed Australian secondary school staff members' experiences with e-cigarettes and explored (i) the presence of e-cigarette policies and educational programs, (ii) barriers to policy development and implementation, and (iii) desired support. METHODS Public, Catholic, and Independent secondary schools across Australia were sent an invitation to participate in this study, which involved completion of an online survey. A total of 218 school staff members (55% women) participated. Respondents included school principals, teachers, and other staff members. Data collection occurred May to September 2022. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. RESULTS Nearly half (46%) of all school staff members surveyed reported finding a student with an e-cigarette on campus at least monthly, and one-third (36%) of principals reported suspending or expelling students at least monthly for e-cigarette possession or use. The vast majority of those surveyed agreed that e-cigarette use is increasingly becoming a problem in secondary schools (93%) and reported being concerned about e-cigarette use by students (94%). Only half (51%) reported that their school had an e-cigarette policy in place. The discreet appearance of e-cigarettes (83%) and difficulties pinpointing from where the vapor/scent is coming (73%) were the most frequently reported barriers to policy enforcement. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that e-cigarettes present a threat to secondary school environments. There is an urgent need to develop, implement, and enforce both school-and government-level e-cigarette policies to prevent and reduce youth vaping in Australian secondary schools.
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