Many parents are not aware that their children had tried or were currently using nicotine products, as reported by Quit Centre. The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital found that of those children who reported current use of nicotine, more than a third (38%) indicated they were using multiple types of nicotine products, and half (53%) indicated that they would like to quit or cut down (1).
GPs are distinctively placed to help curb the use of nicotine products. This can be achieved via identifying young patients who may be using nicotine products and providing support to both parents and children.
GPs can make use of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) clinical guidelines for smoking and vaping cessation that includes specific guidance for young patients.
GPs can also access a range of useful clinical tools and guidelines and online training to support their patients with smoking and vaping cessation through the Quit Centre website. Quitline helps support young people using nicotine products, as well as their families with GPs now able to easily make a referral to Quitline (subject to patient consent).