Teenagers say vapes are still commonplace and easily accessible

Despite being illegal and highly addictive, vapes remain commonplace and easily accessible for teenagers in the Northern Territory, according to a group of high school students. Charlotte, a year 10 student, shared that she was introduced to vaping at age 13 and that it has become normalized in high school. She noted that school bathrooms are frequent spots for vaping, with peers often offering puffs. While many students vape occasionally, some have developed significant dependencies. Olivia, also in year 10, described friends experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea and headaches if they go too long without a vape, with some needing a hit immediately upon waking. Students reported finding illegal vapes easily through social media platforms like Snapchat, where sellers advertise directly. They also mentioned obtaining them from older siblings or dealers who procure them cheaply overseas. Convenience stores are also implicated, with students claiming they can purchase vapes by showing even poorly made identification. Miranda Watt, acting deputy chief executive at the NT's Department of Education, stated that schools are implementing prevention measures, including altered bathroom designs and sensors, to curb vaping. Lauren Gardner from the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney discussed the "Our Futures" program, designed with students to educate them about vaping risks.

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Vapes were kind of introduced to me in year 7. I think that's the age where everyone kind of gets introduced to them.