OurFutures Vaping: preventing the next generation from vaping | UniSyd

University
The University of Sydney
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The Community Champion Award
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OurFutures Vaping is Australia’s first rigorously evaluated vaping-prevention program, developed by the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre. With vaping now the leading behavioural issues in Australian high schools, affecting one in six students, the program uses interactive, cartoon-based digital lessons to help young people make informed health choices - tackling peer pressure and misinformation with science and storytelling.  

A landmark trial of 5,000 students, published in The Lancet Public Health, found the program cut the odds of e-cigarette use by 65 per cent - the largest study of its kind globally.

Now reaching 160,000 students across 600 schools, the co-designed, curriculum-aligned program supports mental health, requires no teacher training and works even in low-tech classrooms – turning world-class research into real-world impact for young Australians.

Entrant: Dr Lauren Gardner, Professor Nicola Newton, Professor Maree Teesson, Dr Amy-Leigh Rowe, A/ Professor Emily Stockings, Dr Katrina Champion, TheOurFutures Vaping Trial Team, and The OurFutures Institute

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Students carrying OurFutures Vaping materials, symbolising progress and empowerment through education — part of a national movement to prevent youth vaping and promote wellbeing.

Students interact with co-designed, curriculum-aligned digital lessons — showcasing how OurFutures Vaping equips young people with real-world skills to resist vaping and support their peers.

Minister for Health the Hon Mark Butler MP announces the research results and support for the national rollout of OurFutures Vaping — reinforcing the government’s commitment to evidence-based, youth-informed prevention strategies. Individuals: The Hon Mark Butler MP, high school students, and Dr Lauren Gardner.

Individuals: from left to right: Dr Katrina Champion, Prof Nicola Newton, Prof Maree Teesson, Dr Lauren Gardner and A/Prof Emily Stockings

The students have responded really well to the OurFutures program, they have genuinely learned some great information, had some myths about vaping dispelled and have displayed a really positive attitude towards the program. The students have engaged really well, and respectfully, in discussions, which has been more beneficial than getting them to write something down. I would definitely do this again next year.

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Year 8 Teacher - Calvary Christian College Mount Louisa

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The Vaping Prevention Program is excellent!!! It was well received by the students in Year 8 as a part of their Positive Choices unit in PD/H lessons.The cartoons were informative, realistic and engaging. The associated worksheets were a great resource as well.At this stage there is nothing as a faculty that we can identify that could be improved. Thank you for providing the Vaping program to us. We will most certainly be using it in future years.

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Year 8 Teacher

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It teaches us things about vaping that we haven't learnt before in a relatable way. When I first heard about this, I thought it would be really boring, but the cartoons are actually really fun and interesting. And they can help you in life.

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Student‍

OurFutures Vaping: preventing the next generation from vaping - The University of Sydney

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