Why the vast majority of young Aussies are choosing not to vape
Tobacco companies knowingly target young people with addictive products, but this World No Tobacco Day, Healthy Harold is applauding Australian teenagers rejecting smoking and vaping
READING LEVEL: ORANGE
Hello friends!
It’s Harold here.
We have all experienced a time where we didn’t know what to do. When I’m feeling unsure about a decision I’m making, I always stop and take a breath. This way I can ask questions, find answers and really consider what is the best option for me.
Friends, family and even the internet have all sorts of information, but it is always important to remember that not everything you see or hear is correct. This fact is important when it comes to knowing how smoking and vaping can impact people’s health.
Smoking and vaping can be harmful. These products contain the drug “nicotine”. Nicotine can make a person’s heart beat faster, make them feel alert and anxious. The effect only lasts for a short time, but the brain gets used to it and wants more. This is what makes nicotine so addictive.
In 1948, a long time ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was created to connect people all over the world with one goal in mind: helping make sure everyone can get the healthcare they need. WHO also takes charge when big health problems happen, like disease outbreaks. They also want everyone to have healthy lives.
Did you know 31 May is World No Tobacco Day? The theme this year is, “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction”.
This year’s World No Tobacco Day is focused on how the tobacco industry is always looking for new ways to sell their addictive products to young people, like vapes.
The World Health Organisation is working with countries around the world to help protect young people from nicotine addiction, by supporting laws to ban advertising of smoking and vapes and regulations around packaging and flavours.
WHO’s 2026 campaign aims to target a few things:
Advocate for better policy: WHO wants to protect the youth by improving policy. This could include banning flavours, digital and traditional advertising and introducing strict regulations on packaging or product design.
Did you know that Australia already has laws like this? In fact, we have often been the first country in the world to introduce laws to keep people safe from smoking and nicotine addition, for example:
• It is against the law to sell or give cigarettes or vapes to anyone under the age of 18.
• Vapes are only available through pharmacies. It is the only way to buy them legally.
• It is illegal to vape in smoke-free areas, like schools, restaurants or playgrounds.
Smoking and vaping rates had started going up in Australia in the early 2020s, but with new laws and more education, good news! I am happy to report that the rates of use are going down again: 81 per cent of Year 7 students stated that they never vape and 93 per cent have never smoked. Isn’t that amazing?
Yes, that’s right. Most young Australians are looking after their health, energy, money and goals for the future and choosing not to vape.
How can we celebrate World No Tobacco Day? By sharing and educating people on the harms and risks of tobacco and raising awareness to others. And remember: it’s up to us to stay healthy and happy, so when you feel unsure, stop and take a breath. Give yourself time to ask some questions and get the answers you need to make the best decisions for you and your health.
See you next time!
Healthy Harold.
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