Empowering Parents In The Vaping Conversation: Canterbury Information Session Webinar | 6pm – 7pm, TONIGHT Wednesday 17 July – REGISTER NOW!

Dear Parents/Carers,

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER!

There has been much activity in the press in recent months about the growing issue of vaping among young people in the Australian community.

Data from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation suggests that in 2022-2023 19.8% of people over the age of 14 have used an e-cigarette and 9.7% teens (14-17 years old) have used vapes in the last year.

This is an accelerating social trend, and Canterbury is taking a ‘front foot’ approach, in keeping with our hardline stance against vaping on campus.

We have significant concerns about the impact of this trend on our young people.

Vaping involves inhaling aerosol produced by an e-cigarette or similar device.

This aerosol often contains harmful substances, including nicotine, which is highly addictive and can negatively affect adolescent brain development.

Additionally, many vaping products contain other dangerous chemicals and can be easily disguised, making them particularly challenging to monitor and control.

In an effort to support our students and families, Canterbury has taken a number of steps around this issue.

We have a strict ‘zero-tolerance’ policy within our school for the use of vapes.

We have vape detectors installed in most bathrooms, with more installations occurring this semester.

We have also recently engaged with an organisation called Blurred Minds to enhance the understanding of both our students and families about the risks of vaping, and the possible causes of young people continuing to experiment with them.

Early this term, we have engaged Blurred Minds to present to both families and students.

Please see details of these sessions below:

Parent/Carer Information Session:
• When: 6pm – 7pm, TONIGHT Wednesday 17 July 2024.
• Where: ONLINE = CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW.
• Who: For ALL Canterbury Parents/Carers/Families.
• What: Information about vaping in young people, strategies for how to have conversations with young people about this issue, and places to go for further information and support.

Student Information Sessions:
• When: TOMORROW Thursday 18 July 2024 during the school day.
• Where: Canterbury Performing Arts Theatre.
• Who: 60-minute session for Years 7/8 and 9/10, and a 90-minute session for Years 11/12.
• What: Information about vaping in young people, strategies for how to have conversations with peers about this issue and the associate peer pressure, and places to go for further information and support.

Please continue conversations about healthy choices with your children after these sessions.

Kind regards

Mrs Rebecca Adamson – Head of Senior School
Mr Tory Mills – Assistant Head of Senior School (Wellbeing)