Lung Association of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island helps clear the air around youth vaping

The Lung Association of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island visited 19 intermediate schools across PEI this fall to deliver their “Youth Vaping Awareness Days” events. The events reached over 1,250 grade 7 students from both French and English schools. These events were delivered in partnership with the UPEI Faculty of Nursing and included presentations, discussions, and games, all of which were intended to increase knowledge and awareness of the health harms of vaping.

“With the average age of vaping onset on the Island being 15.7 years old, our initiative aims to reduce vaping onset and support students to make informed decisions about their health,” said Julia Hartley, director of operations for the Lung Association of NS & PEI.

Following the presentation, 76 per cent of grade 7 students surveyed reported that they would be “less likely to try a vaping product if offered one” and 85 per cent said they “have an increased understanding of the health risks associated with vaping.”

Stonepark School librarian Wendy Poirier said the students enjoyed the event, and her colleagues said they learned some new facts about vaping as well. The students liked that the video provided important information while allowing them to make independent choices.

“I think the games encouraged the kids to talk about what they had learned,” said Poirier. “Plus, the nursing students gave out candy, which is always a huge hit!”

“The Youth Vaping Awareness Days is a great program aimed to provide the information needed for the students to make an informed decision about vaping. Every student has different exposure to vaping products, so the hope is that our message will reach as many students as possible,” said Alyssa Cahill, a fourth-year UPEI Faculty of Nursing student.

Based on the project’s success on PEI, the Lung Association is looking to expand into Nova Scotia in the new year.