Vaping Education Program

Bridges has been successful in securing funding to roll out a vaping education program across 10 schools in the Hinkler Electorate. Vaping is a growing issue for our communities. There is a belief amongst young people that vaping is “relatively harmless” and helps them to deal with stress and anxiety.

“We need to be hearing the facts about vaping and how it impacts our health and wellbeing. Addiction is on the rise and we hope to curb that in our region through this education initiative,” said CEO of Bridges, Sharon Sarah.

Bridges is partnering with Blurred Minds that has been developed by two research centres – Social Marketing at Griffith University and the Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research at the University of Queensland. The program offers an online educational option with innovative gamified AOD (alcohol and other drugs) education programs designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculum. Their aim is to provide helpful information and practical tips to equip young people, their parents/ carers and schools to guide teens to be smart about AOD use. This online program will soon be made available to schools across Queensland through a funded program.

Bridges want to reinforce this learning through the delivery of in-person workshops in schools. 5 Bundaberg and 5 Hervey Bay high schools have signed up to host these workshops in Term 2 this year. A session for parents and carers will also be on offer.

Keep an eye out on our social media for updates on this important program.

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and Social Shift.