in the classroom
What are some strategies schools and teachers can use to address vaping ? There are a few things that schools can do .
One of them is having a vapefree policy and ensuring it is communicated clearly to parents and teachers .
The policy should also state the consequences that come along with a student caught vaping .
We know a lot of schools utilise punitive measures like suspensions , expulsions , exclusions , and detentions .
Communicating that specifically to students and parents helps .
But relying only on punitive measures is not enough .
In the long term , it can create more issues because students miss out on school days and content that the rest of the cohort is doing .
We tell schools to move away from that approach and be more proactive , specifically through education .
We need to empower teachers with relevant resources to discuss and educate students about vaping .
Practical resources don ’ t just explain the issue but give teachers the tools and interactive bits that engage students in understanding the dangers of vaping . And then parents can help too . Schools need to involve the parents to ensure students are supported at school and home with the relevant information they need , the tools they might need to stay away from the product or if they ’ re addicted to seek help and try to quit .
What are some practical ideas teachers can employ to educate students about vaping ? Teachers might want to try gamification .
Gamification uses video games and gamified elements while educating students about a specific issue .
So with vapes , we created a game called the Debate Investigator Game , and it ’ s available for free for any school on our website .
It can help teachers start the conversation fun way ; rather than preaching to students about why vaping is bad .
The game takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and helps students to raise questions about vapes .
We know that schools can only do so much .
The game can help them be more critical of the industry and the product and make them think twice before vaping .
Teachers and schools already have a lot on their plates ; what can the governments do to help ?
We know that schools can only do so much .
The government can help with stricter regulations regarding youth vaping and be more stringent on importing these products .
They also need to make these products less available to this specific age group because we know they were not intended for them initially .
The government can also support schools by making educational resources around vaping available freely and ensuring they are used across the state and independent schools nationwide .
There is a need for legislation , communication campaigns and more education . ■ educationreview . com . au | 17