THE Federal Government is launching today a new influencer-led youth vaping campaign to spark a conversation with the next generation of Australians about the significant harms of vaping and nicotine addiction.
With the next stage of import restrictions on vape products just days away, several influencers popular with 14 to 20-year-olds will be engaged to combat the misinformation on social media, awash with pro-vaping content.
The influencers span the arenas of gaming, comedy, sport and other lifestyle interests and include Ellyse Perry, Ella Watkins, Jack Buzza, Fairbairn Brothers, Zahlia and Shyla Short, Sam Fricker, Lottie Dalziel and HeyImZed.
Some have experienced the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction firsthand, like junior professional surfers Zahlia and Shyla Short from Wollongong, who have both supported a family member to quit vaping.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said, "there is an enormous amount of misinformation and online advertising designed to lure teenagers into vaping".
TikTok is home to more than 18 billion posts with the hashtag #vape and Instagram is home to more than 18,000 'vaping influencer' profiles solely dedicated to promoting vaping, the Health Department revealed.
"Together with the Albanese Government's world-leading vaping reforms, education is a key step to stopping big tobacco companies from luring a new generation into nicotine dependency," he said.
"It's pretty clear that teenagers don't watch TV or listen to Health Ministers, much as I might like them to, which is why we've partnered with influencers that young people listen to: from comedians, to sports stars and gamers, and everyone in between."
Cricketer Ellyse Perry said, "lending my voice to such a critical health issue is important, as a professional athlete I know that even occasional vape use would have significant consequences for both mental and physical performance on and off the field".
Gamer and comedian Jack Buzza said he has stepped up to help as he knows in the gaming and content space, "a lot of young people vape without understanding the health consequences of that choice, including the addictive nature of vaping".
Junior professional surfer Zahlia Short added, "as young women, we witness on a regular basis our friends and dear ones be tempted by vaping".
"Not only do we worry about the health concerns, but we also worry about the environmental concerns.
"The ocean is our second home, and it is also now being affected by vapes," said Short.
"It is time for everyone to be aware of how vaping affects your health and the environment."
The campaign will use platforms such as Spotify and 'Year13', ahead of the next set of regulations to come into effect from 01 Mar. JG
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