Sign in Subscribe
Youth

Australian Trial Demonstrates Real-World Outcomes in Preventing Youth Vaping

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A major public health breakthrough has been achieved in Australia, where a trial of the school-based OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program has demonstrated real-world outcomes in preventing youth vaping. The trial, involving over 5,000 students across 40 schools, found that students who participated in the program were 65% less likely to have used vapes after 12 months compared to those who did not take the course. The program, funded by the Albanese Government, uses cartoon-based stories, quizzes, and classroom activities to engage and inform students.

Key Takeaways:

  • The OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program has been proven to prevent vaping use in adolescents, with a 65% reduction in youth vaping after 12 months.
  • The program, co-designed with young people and teachers, fits the national curriculum and uses engaging and interactive methods to educate students.
  • The positive findings come as the latest data from Generation Vape reveals that young people are vaping less and that vaping is increasingly seen as uncool and socially unacceptable among young people.
  • The program has been funded by the Albanese Government through the Medical Research Futures Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council.
  • The OurFutures program will be rolled out in schools across the country until 2028, with long-term follow-up data expected in 2026.
  • Minister Butler stated that the program is "helping young Australians make informed choices and resist the pressures of vaping", while Minister Clare emphasized the importance of evidence-based programs in preventing youth vaping.
  • Our Futures Institute CEO Ken Wallace noted that the program is a "proven program to schools across the nation to protect our children's future and stop a generation from suffering from deadly, preventable health conditions".

Statistics:

  • 5,000 students across 40 schools participated in the trial, with a 65% decrease in youth vaping after 12 months.
  • The program is funded to the tune of AUD $x, with a planned roll-out to all secondary schools across the country by 2028.
  • Long-term follow-up data is expected in 2026.
  • According to Generation Vape, young people are vaping less and that vaping is increasingly seen as uncool and socially unacceptable among young people.

Sources:

  • The Lancet, "OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program demonstrates real-world outcomes in preventing youth vaping"
  • Generation Vape
  • Medical Research Futures Fund
  • National Health and Medical Research Council
  • Australian Government, "OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program"

Read more