A few years ago, I did a little demonstration at a College Assembly. On a warm Friday morning our young men entered the Hall in groups, chatting and laughing; in pairs, discussing intensely or just strolling in singly, seemingly without a care in world. As the 1000 or so blue and white clad students took their place, seated in House areas, neatly lined up in rows, the hum of an air conditioner murmured in background.
A sharp cracking of clap sticks coming together and the continuous single note drone of a didgeridoo called everyone to attention. Conversations paused and attention focused on the stage, our assembly began. As with any assembly, the National Anthem was sung, after which we joined in prayer, a natural part of our ritual as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition. The program continued normally, without interruption; College Captains, performance items, notices and matters of importance.
In every assembly I am very generously given a slot to wax lyrical. This assembly was no different. Standing behind the podium I asked that the air conditioner be turned off. The background hum suddenly disappeared and it seemed as if the whole world had fallen eerily silent. “This, gents, is a classic example of habituation’.
Habituation is a biological process that allows us to tune out a constant stimulus; like for example, the continuous whir of an air conditioner (the Hall isn’t airconditioned by the way, but …one day…). I had asked that a recording of an air conditioner be played over the speakers, a sound that was audible and constant. The point being made to the boys, was that we can become oblivious of things that continuously surround us, litter, bad behaviour etc. When called to our attention we become aware of them again and so, are able to action ways to remedy the things that have become a no longer obvious part of our landscape.
At regular junctures during a year, I write about a constant concern for our young men, vaping. I fear that we are being habituated to this ubiquitous problem. It is like a consistent drone in the background. As a College we remain vigilant of this behaviour, considering the health problems associated with vape use. Given that these products are unscrupulously marketed to young people, the College has focussed on harm minimisation with the use of vapes being treated as a health problem. There are consequences for breaching College expectations and support is offered in the interest of ceasing the behaviour.
What is becoming obvious however, is how the use, visibility and distribution of these devices induce others to partake in a behaviour that is detrimental to the health of young people today; especially our younger boys, who are susceptible to the modelling of older students and are sometimes less discerning. To this end, the College has reviewed its management of vaping. Next week a letter will be sent to all families detailing how the College will respond to this behaviour on College grounds.
In the meantime, proactive communication is always productive. Health Direct, an Australian government website offers some good advice.
I summarise some of this advice below
Start talking and start now
Young people are curious. Starting a conversation as early as possible means your sons are better prepared to make informed decisions if the opportunity to vape is presented.
Talk in a calm and relaxed space
Keep the chat casual, relaxed and calm so kids feel comfortable enough to engage in the discussion with you.
Chat while doing an activity together or use an everyday cue to prompt the conversation, such a news story or seeing someone vaping on the street.
Be ready to provide the facts
Many young people simply don’t know how harmful vaping is. Be ready to give easy-to-understand facts on the dangers and health risks.
Avoid scaring, judging or lecturing
It’s important to avoid scare tactics, judging or lecturing. Listen to their point of view. Allow questions and keep it a two-way conversation.
For example, if your teen has tried vaping, instead of getting angry or making them feel ashamed, ask them questions: ‘What made you want to try?’; ‘How did it make you feel?’.
Discuss ways of saying ‘no’
It can be helpful to talk through, and practise together, effective ways to respond if your children ever feel pressured to try vaping. It’s always useful to have a response ready to deal with pressure from friends.
For more information, please follow the link below.
