The school community's role in addressing vaping: Findings from qualitative research to inform pedagogy, practice and policy

Abstract

Issue Addressed: E-cigarettes are a significant concern in schools due to their rising use by adolescents. This research aimed to identify current and preferred intervention strategies to respond to vaping in the Western Australian school setting.

Methods: Interviews and focus groups were held with 15 school professionals (leaders, teachers and nurses), parents (n = 12) and students aged 13–17 years (n = 32). Discussions were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and thematically analysed using a deductive approach aligned to the Health Promoting Schools Framework.

Results: Participants suggested that limited and varied attention has been directed towards policy in response to vaping in the school setting. Teaching and learning opportunities existed for students, parents and school professionals, albeit somewhat ad hoc in their approach. Additional training would benefit the whole-school community (students, parents and staff) to raise awareness of e-cigarette harms, increase knowledge and build skills in responding to student vaping.

Conclusions: Clearly articulated policies are needed to guide school strategies and actions towards vaping. There needs to be a dedicated, developmentally appropriate, cross-subject vaping curriculum for students that incorporates mental health outcomes and social skills reinforcement; professional development for school staff; awareness of and access to school-based health services for help and information; visual cues to de-normalise vaping and parent and community involvement to support vape-free school environments.

So What? Comprehensive prevention activities are required to reduce the uptake of vaping among adolescents. Building students', school professionals' and parents' awareness of vaping and strategies to prevent use will contribute to de-normalising and reducing this practice among adolescents.