"I Don't Really Understand It All!": A Qualitative Study of Parental Perceptions of Australian Vaping Laws.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Adolescent vaping is a persistent public health concern. In response to this, Australia's regulatory environment has been rapidly evolving. As parents play a key role to mitigate adolescent vaping, the aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of parents of young people (aged 14-17 years) regarding Australian vaping laws, prior to the 2024 policy changes.

METHODS

Qualitative data was analysed from Generation Vape, a national study of vaping attitudes, knowledge and behaviours amongst targeted cohorts. Parents participated in online focus group discussions conducted in April 2023. Reflexive thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

In total, 92 individuals participated in 18 focus groups. Four main themes were generated: (i) knowledge and comprehension of laws; (ii) perceived effectiveness and impact of vaping laws; and (iii) action. Participants indicated mixed knowledge of the laws and expressed confusion about their rationale. Some felt that the laws highlighted that vaping is negative and that knowing the laws gave support to parents in discouraging adolescent vaping. However, others thought the laws were irrelevant believing adolescents would continue vaping regardless. There was agreement that the laws were insufficient to protect young people from vapes and convoluted by loopholes.

CONCLUSIONS

Ensuring public knowledge about vaping laws is accurate and communicated effectively is paramount. Parents are public health allies in this issue, who can play an important role in addressing adolescent vaping, however, need to be supported in doing so. SO WHAT?: With further vaping laws introduced in 2024, there is an opportunity to be proactive and ensure that clear, consistent and current information is communicated.