As the province looks to have new vaping regulations in place by April, the BC School Trustees Association is happy with the proposal announced last week.

Included in the announcement was an increase to the tax on vaping products as well as restriction to where they can be marketed and flavour pods sold. BCSTA President Stephanie Higginson says one of the other thing that it was asking for was age appropriate youth focused resources on health implications and vape cessation. “We were so happy to also see this youth advisory panel and a real focus and commitment on using youth to help to create resources on the health implications of this. Also it’s going to expand the Quit Now program not only to be for adults and vaping but also have a youth focus on vaping as well.” Higginson says the creation of a youth advisory committee on this issue is critical to its success. “I think that youth are the best advisers to help us address this issue and they will be well utilized. And i think it’s also a great education opportunity for youth to be involved at this level and help us serve the youth and to make them aware of the health implications.”

Higginson says one thing we know is that having proper mental health services makes you less likely to start vaping in the first place. “So while this really gets at helping kids understand the health implications if they choose to vape and helping them stop if they do. I think we’re also really looking forward to a further roll-out of the Pathway to Hope across schools and that provides youth mental health supports.” She adds additional mental health supports will not only help on the vaping issue, but other issues being faced in schools as well.