New Zealand has made incredible progress in reducing youth smoking rates over the past decade. But as one fire dwindles, another is starting to spark – vaping. Once touted as a safer alternative for adult smokers, vaping is now lighting up a dangerous path for our taoihi. A recent study published in The Lancet shows vaping may be a gateway to smoking, with Year 10 students’ smoking rates nearly doubling from the expected 6.6% to 12.6% in 2023. If that doesn’t make us sit up and take notice, what will?

The Y’s Youth Survey 2024, which gathered insights from 935 young people aged 12-24 across Ashburton, Mackenzie, Timaru, Waimate, and Waitaki Districts, paints an equally concerning picture. Vaping and smoking topped the list of health concerns at 82%, up from 78% in 2021. By the age of 18, 35% of respondents reported vaping, with 21% doing so daily or multiple times daily. Even more troubling, 4% of 13-year-olds said they vape daily. If vaping was meant to solve the smoking problem, it’s starting to look like we’ve traded one public health crisis for another.

Parents and caregivers might feel overwhelmed navigating this rapidly evolving landscape. After all, vaping devices are sleek, discreet, and often marketed with youth-appealing flavours. The Y understands this challenge and is stepping up with its Resiliency Toolkit programme, offering vaping facts and education to ākonga (students) in schools. Knowledge is power, and giving young people the full picture on vaping’s risks is a critical first step. Any schools wishing for this kind of support for their ākonga can get in touch with Natasha Dominey, Team Leader Positive Youth Development, at natasha@ymcasc.org.nz.

So, what can parents and caregivers do to help their kids quit or, better yet, prevent them from starting? Experts suggest keeping the conversation open and non-judgmental. Catch those teachable moments – if you see someone vaping in public or an ad on social media, use it as a springboard to discuss the risks. Ask open-ended questions to understand what your child knows or feels about vaping.

Creating a vape-free home environment is another crucial step. Tamariki take cues from the adults around them, so modelling non-vaping behaviour sends a powerful message. Encourage your child to participate in activities that boost self-esteem and provide a sense of belonging outside of vaping circles.

The Cancer Society advocates for stricter regulations, such as banning disposable vapes and enforcing rigorous age verification. These measures can help, but the real magic happens when communities rally together. Parents, schools, and local organisations need to be on the same page, reinforcing the message that vaping is not a harmless pastime.

In the end, the goal is not just to keep kids from vaping but to equip them with the resiliency to make healthy choices in all aspects of life. The Y’s efforts to educate and empower young people through the Resiliency Toolkit programme offer a beacon of hope. It’s time we all join forces to turn this tide. Our tamariki, rangatahi and taiohi deserve nothing less.