Ask any parent or teacher of teenagers what the top substance issues of concern are for their young people and you’d likely find that vaping is at the top of the list.
Add to that the fact that tobacco smoking is consistently the number one modifiable risk factor contributing to disease burden and deaths in Australia and it’s clear to see why Youth Solutions, a youth drug and alcohol prevention and health promotion charity, is honing in on vaping and smoking with its annual #whyichoose campaign.
Led by the youth charity’s Youth Advisory Group volunteers (three of whom are pictured above), the campaign acknowledges that choices are pathways to exploring, discovering and learning.
But choices also can come with risks, which is why Youth Solutions has bolstered and relaunched the annual #whyichoose campaign to help young people make informed choices around tobacco smoking and vaping.
The #whyichoose campaign, which has been backed by Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch Club Ltd as the campaign partner, shares evidence on the health effects of tobacco smoking and vaping, and information on the tools, services and resources available to help young people and their communities seek help.
The campaign will engage with young people online and at community events to share the #whyichoose messages and aim to increase health literacy around smoking and vaping in young people.
Glenn Cushion, chief executive officer at Ingleburn RSL Sub-Branch Club Ltd, said the club was pleased to be involved.
“We’re proud to support this campaign that empowers young people to make informed choices. An investment in our youth, particularly in their health and wellbeing, is an investment in the future leaders of our community.”
Youth Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Geraldine Dean, said #whyichoose was perhaps one of the youth health service’s most important campaigns.
At its heart, the campaign sees the potential for risk and harm can be lessened by gathering facts and information before making a choice to start or continue to smoke tobacco or vape.
“We want young people to have choices in every aspect of their lives, but we also encourage them to make informed choices,’’ Mrs Dean said. For more details on the #whyichoose campaign, visit: https://youthsolutions.com.au/young-people/vaping-and-smoking/
Smoking and vaping is nicotine that is addictive, so simply why isn’t it banned?
I do not know if it has a medical use that is more important than people’s health. It is an evil drug that creates enormous wealth to a few.