Published on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 at 2:03:30 PM
South Metropolitan Health Service Health Promotion (SMHS HP) and the Town of East Fremantle are working together to keep the Town’s playgrounds smoke and vape free with the installation of new signage.
The signs align with current Western Australian tobacco legislation, which prohibits smoking within 10 metres of playground equipment.
Town of East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill said the initiative reflected the Town’s ongoing commitment to providing safe and clean recreational spaces for the community.
“We want to ensure our playgrounds are vibrant, healthy spaces for families and children,” he said.
“By implementing smoke and vape free signage, we are taking a proactive step in protecting the health of our residents.”
The decision to update the signage to include the vape free symbol was strongly influenced by the emerging public health issue of vaping.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of people who vape, particularly amongst young people,” said Shelley McRae, SMHS Manager of Health Promotion and Community Development.
“By creating smoke and vape free spaces, we not only protect our community from exposure to toxic chemicals, but also reduce visible smoking behaviour.
“When smoking and vaping is less visible, then the behaviour becomes less normalised. This, in turn, can help reduce uptake, especially amongst children and youth,” she said.
This smoke and vape free initiative compliments Cancer Council WA’s vaping prevention campaign ‘Clear the Air’ which is targeted towards young people aged 14 to 24 years.
For more information and tips on how to quit vaping, visit Clear the Air website.
For advice and support to help quit smoking, visit the Health Department website.
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