An increasing number of people are calling on Victoria's regional council to take a stronger stance against the growing use of e-cigarettes within their community.
Director of "Quitting Victoria", Sarah White, has stated that more local councils should implement plans similar to that of Melbourne City to further prevent second-hand smoking. In Australia, the use of electronic cigarettes is most common amongst 18 to 24-year-olds, and a group of Barrett parents are concerned about the use of these devices amongst young people in their community.
In June of last year, the city of Melbourne approved its smoke-free Melbourne policy. Under this plan, the council's list of smoke-free areas will expand to potentially include properties owned and managed by the parliament, as well as entry points to major transport hubs. Current no-smoking signs will also be updated to display a "no e-cigarettes" symbol.
According to Sarah White, regulations for tobacco use under the 1987 Tobacco Act also apply to electronic cigarettes. This means that using electronic cigarettes is prohibited in areas where smoking is banned, including enclosed workplaces, outdoor dining areas, and entertainment venues. Dr. White stated that many people are not aware of this.
The city of Melbourne is implementing signage to ensure that it is clear that electronic cigarettes are also prohibited in areas where smoking is not permitted.
Dr. White believes that Australian authorities need to implement this measure in other regions of Victoria in order to effectively promote the ban on smoking and e-cigarettes.
Dr. White says that councils in places such as Barrett City may be doing more to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
She said, "I really want to see them do more to protect places like Briarbridge Shopping Center.
Although businesses have the option to print and display the "no e-cigarette" signage on the Victoria Health Department website, Dr. White would like to see more signage posted in various locations, particularly in areas frequented by young people, through parliamentary action.
Dr. White stated, "I believe that signs will truly help children understand that e-cigarettes are substances they should not be exposed to.
Matt Wilson, Director of the Welfare Department in Barrett City, stated that reducing the harm caused by smoking is a "priority area" in the committee's 2021-2023 Health and Welfare Plan.
Mr. Wilson stated in a declaration that the critical areas of action include providing information, especially about the harmful effects of smoking on children and relevant businesses, as well as providing tobacco education to registered companies.
Furthermore, concerns from Barrett's parents have sparked discussion on forums. The latest health survey data in the country shows that nearly one in ten Australian adults aged 18 and above have tried an electronic cigarette device at least once. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most common users of e-cigarettes compared to any other age group.
As concern grows over the use of e-cigarettes among young people in the Barrett community, the volunteer parent group Barrett Grammar Friends has chosen to host their own free information night. According to group leader and parent Sue Lembo, parental education is crucial in tackling the rise of e-cigarette trends.
Many parents are unaware that their children are vaping. My eldest son has experience with vaping and I had no idea because it was hidden. "It's easy for them to conceal it," she said.
Ms. Lembo stated that she supports Dr. White's call to update all signage around Barrett to "100%.
I think that we have not yet changed our mentality to make a difference. We really need to change our perception of e-cigarettes," she said.
It is still nicotine, it is still addictive, and it is still just as dangerous for the health of our youth.
Ms. Lembo stated that all parents from schools have been invited and the event will be live-streamed. She added that it is a positive thing that we can gather more information and educate our parents and community. The event is scheduled to take place at the Winduuri Performing Arts Center on September 6th at 7:00 pm.
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