Working to protect children and families from vaping

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 signage aligns with current Western Australian tobacco legislation, which prohibits smoking within ten 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," Jim 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.

SMHS Health Promotion and Community Development Manager Shelley McRae said there has been a significant increase in the number of people who vape, particularly amongst young people. 

"By creating smoke and vape free spaces, we not only protect our community from exposure to toxic chemicals, but also reduce visible smoking behaviour," Shelley said. 

"When smoking and vaping is less visible, the behaviour becomes less normalised. This, in turn, can help reduce uptake, especially amongst children and youth."