Unpacking Vaping in Schools: Voices from the School Community
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| Title: | Unpacking Vaping in Schools: Voices from the School Community |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Catriona Lockett, Smita Shah (ORCID |
| Source: | Health Education Journal. 2024 83(5):453-466. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Smoking, Student Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, School Personnel, Prevention, Communication (Thought Transfer), Foreign Countries, High School Students, Student Motivation, Compliance (Legal), Information Needs, School Role, School Community Relationship, Differences |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00178969241246170 |
| ISSN: | 0017-8969 1748-8176 |
| Abstract: | Objectives: In early 2021, Western Sydney school principals expressed heightened concern about rising e-cigarette usage among high school students. This prompted us to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceptions surrounding adolescent vaping in students, school staff and parents, and their preferred strategies to effectively communicate prevention messages. Design: Exploratory qualitative study. Setting: Participants included students (aged 12-16 years), school staff and parents from government high schools in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. Methods: We held research workshops with 162 students, 133 school staff and 29 parents across seven schools. We used interactive activities which included individual written responses, small-group brainstorming and open group discussions. Data analysis was undertaken by two researchers using Framework Analysis. Results: Findings demonstrated differing perceptions among students, staff and parents regarding reasons why adolescents vape. Although common motives emerged, such as the perception that vaping differs from smoking, social normalisation, peer pressure and mental health considerations, there were important differences in emphasis. Students were concerned about dependency and vaping to cope, staff were concerned about the impact of vaping on students' learning and behaviour, and parents were concerned about being ill-equipped to support their children. Strategies to tackle vaping also differed, with an emphasis on education and engagement over surveillance and consequences. Conclusion: Adolescent vaping is a pressing concern within Australian school communities, necessitating a comprehensive, holistic approach supported by strong partnerships between the health and education sectors. Addressing this issue effectively demands heightened education and engagement among students, staff and parents. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1433644 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Objectives: In early 2021, Western Sydney school principals expressed heightened concern about rising e-cigarette usage among high school students. This prompted us to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceptions surrounding adolescent vaping in students, school staff and parents, and their preferred strategies to effectively communicate prevention messages. Design: Exploratory qualitative study. Setting: Participants included students (aged 12-16 years), school staff and parents from government high schools in Greater Western Sydney, Australia. Methods: We held research workshops with 162 students, 133 school staff and 29 parents across seven schools. We used interactive activities which included individual written responses, small-group brainstorming and open group discussions. Data analysis was undertaken by two researchers using Framework Analysis. Results: Findings demonstrated differing perceptions among students, staff and parents regarding reasons why adolescents vape. Although common motives emerged, such as the perception that vaping differs from smoking, social normalisation, peer pressure and mental health considerations, there were important differences in emphasis. Students were concerned about dependency and vaping to cope, staff were concerned about the impact of vaping on students' learning and behaviour, and parents were concerned about being ill-equipped to support their children. Strategies to tackle vaping also differed, with an emphasis on education and engagement over surveillance and consequences. Conclusion: Adolescent vaping is a pressing concern within Australian school communities, necessitating a comprehensive, holistic approach supported by strong partnerships between the health and education sectors. Addressing this issue effectively demands heightened education and engagement among students, staff and parents. |
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| ISSN: | 0017-8969 1748-8176 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00178969241246170 |
