$5 million boost to tackle vaping in schools

• $5 million to provide access to leading anti-vaping program in all secondary schools
• The Blurred Minds Academy was developed with National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research
• Builds on existing great work in schools across the state

The Palaszczuk Government is taking further action to tackle the problem of vaping in schools.

Through a $5 million investment, all Queensland secondary schools – both government and non-government - will gain access to the innovative alcohol and drug education program the Blurred Minds Academy.

Developed at Griffith University and available to schools from Term 4 this year, the Blurred Minds Academy was created in partnership with the University of Queensland’s National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research.

It features modules on vaping and health, vaping deception, and vaping and the environment. Learning tools include videos, quizzes, and games, as well a as a guide and slide pack for teachers.

Students who have completed the program showed an increased capability to say no to vaping, increased knowledge about the dangers, and a reduction in vaping use. Teachers said it increased their own knowledge, made their teaching more effective, and 85% said the academy improved their teaching experience.

Access to the Blurred Minds Academy will build on the extensive information already provided to schools about the dangers of vaping and resources to tackle it, including the Department of Education’s work with bodies like Queensland Health, the Cancer Council, the Heart Foundation, and the Lung Foundation.

Blurred Minds will also complement the work of our School Based Youth Health Nurses and schools’ ongoing relationship with Dovetail, a drug and alcohol support service that provides clinical advice and professional support to staff working with young people who vape.

Providing access to the Blurred Minds Academy is part of the department’s ongoing work to strengthen the current Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) program. Currently under review, the updated AOD program is expected to be rolled out next year.

The revitalised AOD program will provide students with the most up-to-date information about the dangers of vaping and other drugs, encouraging them to make healthy choices and resist the pressures that may lead to experimentation with harmful substances.

Smoking, including vaping, is already banned at all Queensland schools and within five metres of their boundaries. The Palaszczuk Government also recently passed legislation to strengthen tobacco laws and increase smoke-free places, which will now include school car parks.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:

“We don’t hide from the fact that vaping is happening in our schools, and it is a problem we take very seriously.  

“This is why, since last year, my department has been working with the University of Queensland’s National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research to review our Alcohol and Other Drugs program to strengthen the focus on smoking and vaping.

“Access to the Blurred Minds Academy will complement the current and future work that the department is doing to tackle vaping in schools.

“All Queensland State, Catholic and Independent high schools will have access to this cutting-edge online learning platform, which will empower students and teachers and equip them with relevant resources to stand against vaping and other drugs.

“This is another tool to help schools do their bit, but we need remember that issues like this do not start and finish at the school gate, or indeed at the state border.

“This is a broader public health issue that society as a whole needs to address, which is why a Parliamentary Committee is conducting an inquiry into reducing vaping in Queensland.

“And at the national level, Education Ministers have agreed to work with Health Ministers on a national campaign, educating young people on the harms posed by the marketing and use of vapes.”

Further information at www.blurredminds.com.au

ENDS

Media contact – Daniel Webb – 0438 401 078