Jason Clare MP - ALP
- Pippa Starr
- Jul 4, 2024
- 7 min read
10 April 2024
Community Noted on "X"
" Vaping is a menace in our schools and vape companies are targeting our kids."
(Vapes near schools rhetoric on television media)
Jason Clare Is Wrong, Here's Why:
The vape companies and stores that Jason Clare MP refers to are illegal black market operators that have been created by govt. restrictions and regulations on vaping. The Black Market doesn't follow the law which states vapes are illegal to sell to minors.
Media references:
27 March 2024
13 February 2024
"I'm also asked about disruption in our schools. There are lots of reasons for that, but one of them is vaping. This is what a principal said in the Australian on the weekend: They're— that is, students are— fixated on getting their next hit, are very disruptive and distracted from learning. We see the behavioural effects of withdrawal, as kids disappear from the classroom so they can get nicotine hits."
Jason Clare Is Wrong Again, Here's Why:
Jason Clare MP’s statements on vaping in schools are exaggerated, misleading, and fail to acknowledge the broader context of harm reduction. Below is a fact-based rebuttal addressing his key inaccuracies and misconceptions.
1. Youth Vaping Should Be Addressed with Regulation, Not Prohibition
Clare claims that one in six high school students are vaping, suggesting a youth vaping crisis that requires outright bans. However, the reality is:
Most youth vaping is experimental, not regular. Data from the UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) shows that regular vaping among non-smoking youth is rare.
Youth smoking rates are at record lows. If vaping were a gateway to smoking, we would see youth smoking rates rise, but instead, they continue to decline in countries where vaping is accessible.
Banning legal vapes will make youth access worse. Prohibition has already created a thriving black market, where minors can obtain unregulated, unsafe vapes without age verification.
Fact: The best approach is to regulate vaping products properly—banning legal alternatives will only drive youth toward more dangerous black-market products.
2. The “Nicotine Addiction Crisis” in Schools is Overstated
Clare claims that students are “fixated on getting their next hit”, implying widespread nicotine addiction in schools. However:
The majority of youth who try vaping do not become addicted. Studies show that most young people who experiment with vaping do not use it regularly.
Withdrawal symptoms from nicotine are mild compared to other substances. While nicotine is addictive, the physical dependence is far lower than that of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs.
Vaping is replacing smoking among youth, not increasing nicotine addiction. Countries like New Zealand and the UK, where vaping is regulated, have seen record-low youth smoking rates.
Fact: While youth vaping should be addressed, the real focus should be on preventing cigarette use, which is far more harmful and deadly.
3. The Claim That “Nine Out of Ten Vape Stores Are Near Schools” is Misleading
Clare states that “nine out of ten vape stores are within walking distance of schools”, implying deliberate targeting of children. However:
There is no publicly available data to support this claim. This statistic lacks transparency and is often repeated without proper verification.
Retail zoning laws dictate where businesses can operate. Vape shops are typically located in commercial areas, just like convenience stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
Regulated vape retailers enforce age restrictions. Countries with legal vaping markets (like the UK) have strict retail licensing and ID checks, preventing youth access.
Fact: There is no strong evidence that vape stores are deliberately setting up near schools. Proper regulation, not prohibition, is the key to preventing youth access.
4. Banning Vape Sales in Stores Will Fuel the Black Market
Clare praises legislation banning vape sales in stores, but this will make the problem worse:
Australia’s prescription-only model has already created a booming black market. Instead of controlling vaping, banning retail sales has made illicit sales the dominant source of supply.
Banning legal vapes will push more youth to black-market dealers. In countries where regulated vape sales exist, youth access to illicit products is lower because regulated retailers follow the law.
Illegal vapes are unregulated and potentially more harmful. Many black-market vapes contain unknown substances or excessively high nicotine levels, increasing health risks.
Fact: Strict retail regulations, not outright bans, are the best way to control youth access and ensure product safety.
5. Australia is Falling Behind Other Countries with Smarter Vaping Policies
Clare presents Australia’s prohibitionist approach as a global model, but other countries have more effective, evidence-based policies:
The UK, New Zealand, and Canada all support vaping as a harm reduction tool. These countries allow regulated adult sales while enforcing strict age verification and product standards.
Public health experts criticize Australia’s extreme stance. Many leading researchers argue that Australia’s policy is driven by ideology, not science.
Australia is out of step with international best practices. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes tobacco harm reduction as a legitimate strategy, yet Australia continues to push prohibition over regulation.
Fact: Countries with regulated vaping policies have seen greater declines in smoking rates and fewer black-market issues compared to Australia.
6. Nicotine Itself is Not the Primary Health Risk
Clare suggests that nicotine addiction is a major health crisis, ignoring key scientific findings:
Nicotine is not responsible for smoking-related diseases. The main harm from smoking comes from tar, carbon monoxide, and other combustion byproducts, not nicotine.
Nicotine has been used safely in medications for decades. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as patches and gum, pose no significant health risks.
Nicotine does not cause mental health problems. Some studies even suggest that nicotine may help improve cognitive function and mental health in certain cases.
Fact: The focus should be on eliminating combustible tobacco, not nicotine itself, which can be used safely in reduced-risk products like vapes.
Jason Clare MP’s speech on vaping is misleading, fear-based, and contradicts the best available evidence.
The reality is:
✅ Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking and helps people quit.
✅ The "youth vaping epidemic" is exaggerated—most youth vapers were already smokers.
✅ There is no strong evidence that vaping causes young people to take up smoking✅ Banning legal vapes fuels the black market, making youth access worse.
✅ Nicotine itself is not the cause of smoking-related disease—combustion is.
✅ Australia’s prohibitionist approach has failed—countries with regulated models are more successful.
Policy Recommendation:
Instead of prohibition, Australia should adopt a regulated consumer model, similar to the UK and New Zealand, which includes:
Licensed vape retailers with strict age verification.
Strict safety and ingredient regulations for vaping products.
Public education campaigns on the differences between smoking and vaping.
A separate route for medical vapes for those who prefer a prescription model.
This balanced approach would help smokers quit, reduce smoking-related diseases, and protect public health. Prohibition has failed—Australia needs evidence-based regulation, not fear-mongering.