According to a report by media rnz on January 17, the latest data from the New Zealand Ministry of Education shows that the problem of e-cigarettes and smoking is becoming increasingly serious in schools across the country, and the use of e-cigarettes among primary school students is more prominent than among middle school students. Last year, most students in grades 1 to 8 were demoted for e-cigarettes and smoking. This number exceeded that in grades 9 to 13, triggering a deep reflection on the school's smoking cessation measures. This eye-catching phenomenon occurred in 6 out of 10 regions. The total number of students downgraded for vaping or smoking increased by almost 19% from 2022 to 2023.
The statistics do not differentiate between e-cigarettes and traditional smoking in detail, but observations by Phil Palfrey, principal of Rotorua Kaitao Junior High School, indicate that widespread use of e-cigarettes among students has become a priority. He noted that some students were even using e-cigarettes blatantly in classrooms.
Currently, a number of primary and secondary schools in the Rotorua region have jointly developed a new e-cigarette policy. The policy, drafted by Palfrey himself, focuses on educating students and their parents. While school leaders are becoming more adept at facing this challenge, in reality they are not supposed to be the primary force in solving this social problem.
The Department for Education made it clear that the downgraded data reflected schools' responses to vaping and smoking, rather than the behavior itself. Leanne Otene, president of the Principals' Federation, said school leaders, having received education and worked closely with young people, had no choice but to adopt stricter policies to tackle this social issue.
While the government has taken some steps, such as new regulations requiring e-cigarettes to have removable batteries and no longer be disposable products, Tammy Downer, co-founder of the advocacy group Tobacco-Free Kids, said this has not brought about substantial changes. . She believes that broader and systemic reforms must be implemented to truly keep e-cigarettes away from students.
Education Minister Erica Stanford has expressed concern about smoking and vaping in schools, particularly in primary schools. She pointed out that the New Zealand Prime Minister/National Alliance policy already includes a ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarette products and the implementation of stricter penalties for illegal sales to people under the age of 18. Health officials will also provide advice to help prevent teens from starting smoking and vaping. The government is expected to further strengthen management of this issue in new legislation.
