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Addressing Smoking and Vaping for Boys Aged 10-18 in Australia
Overview
The prevalence of smoking and vaping has become a prominent issue in the field of
public health on a global scale, with a particular focus on the impact it has on the adolescent
population. In the Australian context, there exists a noteworthy preoccupation with these matters,
given its ramifications on the holistic welfare of male adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18,
encompassing both indigenous and Torres Strait Islander populations. As to the findings of the
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), although there has been a general drop in
smoking rates, teens continue to be identified as a susceptible demographic (Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare, 2019). According to the findings of the National Drug Strategy
Household Survey, it was observed that in 2019, a proportion of 2.1% of individuals within the
teenage age group of 12 to 17 years, and 10.6% of individuals within the young adult age group
of 18 to 24 years, engaged in daily smoking (The National Drug Strategy Household Survey,
2019). Furthermore, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence of e-cigarette usage or vaping
among adolescents, as indicated by a reported 12.5% of those aged 14-17 acknowledging their
past engagement with such products in the year 2019.
Adolescent males between the ages of 10 and 18 are more vulnerable to the adverse
consequences associated with smoking and vaping, mostly as a result of their ongoing
developmental processes. The exposure to nicotine during adolescence has the potential to
interfere with the development of the brain, resulting in impairments in cognitive functioning and
an elevated susceptibility to addiction. The potential ramifications for physical health, such as
respiratory complications and cardiovascular disorders, are also a matter of significant
apprehension. In addition, it is important to consider the impact of societal disapproval
associated with smoking and vaping on the self-esteem and peer connections of adolescent
males. Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander male individuals encounter distinct obstacles
stemming from historical, cultural, and social circumstances. According to the Australian
Indigenous HealthInfoNet, there is a notable disparity in smoking rates between indigenous and
non-indigenous teenagers, with the former exhibiting higher prevalence (Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, 2021). Moreover, it is possible that these male individuals may encounter a
dearth of opportunities to avail themselves of cessation programs and health treatments that are
tailored to their specific cultural needs. Hence, it is imperative to establish a mentorship initiative
specifically designed to tackle the issue of smoking and vaping among adolescent males in
Australia, encompassing both indigenous and Torres Strait Islander populations.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of the mentorship program is to enhance the agency of male individuals
between the ages of 10 and 18, encompassing those from indigenous and Torres Strait Islander
communities, by equipping them with the requisite knowledge, competencies, and self-assurance
to make educated choices around smoking and vaping. In order to attain this purpose, the
program outlines the following objectives: a)
Promoting Awareness of Hazards and Consequences
The primary aim of this initiative is to augment participants' comprehension of the
potential hazards and ramifications linked to the act of smoking and vaping. This entails the
provision of extensive and precise information regarding the adverse health consequences
associated with these practices. The program endeavors to impart knowledge to the mentees
regarding the enduring consequences on respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and general
well-being. The ultimate objective is to instill in them the impetus to critically evaluate their
decisions and give precedence to their health.
b)
Providing Accurate Information Another essential purpose is to provide mentees with accurate and current information
regarding the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes. The initiative seeks to debunk misconceptions and
dispel myths around tobacco and e-cigarettes by providing scientific data regarding the presence
of dangerous compounds, such as nicotine and other toxic chemicals, in these products. This
provides the male individuals with the necessary information to make well-informed choices.
c)
Equipping Mentees with Resistance Skills
Acknowledging the impact of peer pressure and societal norms, the program aims to
equip mentees with pragmatic strategies to effectively counter the allure of smoking or vaping.
This educational program will provide instruction on several strategies, including aggressive
communication, rejection skills, and the comprehension of manipulation tactics. Through the
development of their capacity to assert their decisions and resist negative pressures, the program
effectively boosts their self-efficacy and confidence.
d)
Promoting Open Dialogues
An essential element of this approach involves establishing a setting that fosters open and
unbiased discussions pertaining to smoking-related matters. The program endeavors to facilitate
these dialogues with the intention of dismantling societal taboos and stigmas around the act of
smoking and vaping. This not only affords the male individuals a platform to articulate their
problems and inquiries, but also fosters an inclination towards seeking assistance when
necessary.
Target Audience:
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Boys aged 10 to 18 from a variety of backgrounds make up the program's target audience,
with a concentration on indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities. These boys are going
through a crucial era of development where they are creating their identities and making
decisions that will affect their long-term health and happiness. The inclusion of boys from
indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities acknowledges the distinctive difficulties and
social situations they deal with. Communities that are Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander
frequently have unique viewpoints, cultural customs, and socioeconomic variables that can affect
smoking habits. The initiative recognizes that addressing smoking and vaping in these
communities requires culturally sensitive strategies. The initiative intends to address differences
in smoking rates and health outcomes by especially addressing this group of people and tailoring
its strategy to be respectful of their cultural values and experiences.
Program Structure:
The structure of the mentorship program has been nicely designed to give an extensive
and compelling approach to address smoking and vaping among boys aged 10-18. The program
utilizes a fair blend of group and one-on-one mentoring address the diverse needs and
inclinations of the participants.
a)
Monthly Group Workshops
Regular monthly group workshops and seminars will act as a focal platform for tending
to smoking-related subjects. These workshops will establish an open and comprehensive
environment where all mentees can meet up to learn, share, and talk about significant issues. The
workshops will cover many subjects, including health issues related to smoking and vaping, the
psychology of peer pressure and effective communication skills. These interactive encounters
will be driven by both mentors and outside specialists to give a balanced viewpoint.
b)
Individual mentor-mentee meetings
The program's foundation lies in the establishment of one-on-one mentor-mentee
relationships. The mentors and mentees will engage in individual meetings to delve deeper into
personal goals, challenges, and ambitions. The purpose of these meetings is to offer mentees a
safe and confidential space in which they can openly address their concerns pertaining to
smoking and vaping. The experts will offer individualized counsel and support based on their
knowledge and experience. During these personalized sessions, mentees will be provided with
tailored help on making well-informed choices, setting achievable goals, and formulating
methods to counteract influences associated to smoking.
c)
Frequency and Duration
The frequency of sessions will be bi-monthly in order to strike a harmonious equilibrium
between providing ongoing assistance and accommodating the participants' everyday obligations.
Supplementing these individual sessions with monthly group seminars will augment the
dissemination of knowledge and foster collective dynamics. The program's duration has been
established at six months in order to provide mentees with ample opportunity to assimilate
information, cultivate new behaviors, and foster significant connections with their mentors.
Recruiting Mentors:
Mentors will be chosen from diverse fields such as healthcare professionals, community
leaders, and educators, thereby guaranteeing a broad range of expertise and viewpoints. The
mentors will assume a pivotal role in providing guidance and exerting influence on mentees, so
facilitating the adoption of healthy decision-making.
a)
Mentor Goals
The mentors will be targeted towards the following objectives:
i.
Mentors will assume the role of authoritative figures, providing reliable and precise
information pertaining to smoking and vaping, so debunking fallacies and rectifying
misconceptions.
ii.
Mentors will offer guidance regarding the process of making well-informed decisions,
with a particular emphasis on the importance of prioritizing the well-being of their
mentees.
iii.
Through the cultivation of inclusive and accepting connections, mentors can cultivate
an environment that encourages mentees to freely engage in conversations regarding
their perspectives, apprehensions, and encounters pertaining to smoking and vaping.
iv.
The mentors' responsibilities encompass more than simply imparting knowledge; they
will actively foster critical thinking, self-exploration, and individual development
while guiding their mentees in comprehending and tackling the issues associated with
smoking and vaping.
Selecting Mentees:
The process of selecting mentees for the program will entail a deliberate and
comprehensive approach that guarantees the alignment of their needs and interests with the
objectives of the program. The program extends a warm invitation to boys between the ages of
10 and 18 who demonstrate sincere interest in participation. Below is a comprehensive analysis
of the selection process:
a)
Inclusive approach
The inclusive approach of the program will ensure that boys from diverse cultural,
socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds are eligible to participate. The program will
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prioritize the promotion of engagement from indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities,
offering targeted outreach and information that is tailored to their distinct situations.
b)
Application review
The mentors will carefully assess the submitted applications in order to get insight into
the motivations and ambitions of each mentee. The program will give priority to individuals who
exhibit a genuine interest in acquiring knowledge about the harms associated with smoking and
vaping, cultivating abilities to resist these habits, and making well-informed decisions.
c)
Goal Alignment
The program aims to establish mentor-mentee pairs by considering the congruence of
their goals and interests. As an illustration, a protégé with a keen interest in sports could be
matched with a mentor who possesses knowledge on the ramifications of smoking on athletic
prowess.
d)
Culturally Sensitive Approach
The program will take into account the cultural sensitivities of indigenous and Torres
Strait Islander mentees, ensuring that mentors are adequately equipped to address their distinct
problems and viewpoints.
Program Guidelines:
Developing detailed program guidelines is crucial in establishing a seamless and efficient
mentorship experience for mentors and mentees alike. These rules establish a fundamental
framework for mentorship partnerships and establish explicit expectations. The guidelines
include; a)
Agreement signing
Mentors and mentees will engage in a formal signing process to establish a contractual
agreement delineating the program's anticipated standards, encompassing levels of dedication,
secrecy, courteous communication, and ethical conduct.
b) Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be emphasized as a key aspect in mentorship talks within the
program. This establishment fosters a secure environment wherever mentees are able to openly
express their opinions, apprehensions, and inquiries.
c)
Commitment
Both mentors and mentees will demonstrate a commitment to frequently attending
mentorship sessions, ensuring preparedness for talks, and actively engaged in the learning
process.
d)
Resource Sharing
The mentors will offer precise and current resources pertaining to smoking and vaping.
Potential resources encompass a variety of mediums, such as scholarly publications, informative
films, visually appealing infographics, and respected websites, which provide credible and
dependable information pertaining to the hazards linked to smoking and vaping.
e)
Communication methods
In order to cater to a range of preferences and conditions, the communication techniques
will be adaptable. In-person meetings may be arranged at designated venues, but phone
conversations and virtual sessions can be organized for individuals who favor remote
engagements.
f)
Regular Check-ins
It is recommended that mentors engage in periodic check-in sessions with their mentees
in order to facilitate discussions on progress, address any concerns that may arise, and offer
continuous support. This can be accomplished via telephonic communication, written electronic
messages, or online video conferences.
g)
Feedback Mechanism
The program will implement a feedback mechanism that enables mentors and mentees to
offer their perspectives on the program's efficacy, propose enhancements, and communicate their
personal experiences.
Potential Challenges for Mentors and Mentees:
Mentorship programs that aim to tackle sensitive subjects, such as smoking and vaping,
can provide distinct challenges for both mentors and mentees. The recognition and anticipation
of these issues are crucial in order to ensure the efficacy of the program.
Challenges for Mentors
a)
Addressing Sensitive Topics
Mentors may have difficulties when approaching sensitive subjects such as smoking and
vaping, particularly when engaging in conversations about these matters with adolescent males.
The mentors should adopt an approach that is characterized by compassion, lack of judgment,
and suitability for the age group being mentored.
b)
Cultural Barriers
Cultural hurdles might arise throughout the mentoring process with indigenous and
Torres Strait Islander males, impeding effective communication between mentors and mentees.
The establishment of trust and efficient communication necessitates a comprehensive
comprehension of cultural nuances and a respectful approach towards cultural differences.
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c)
Lack of Expertise
Certain mentors may possess limited knowledge or experience in the fields of healthcare
or tobacco education. In order to ensure the dissemination of accurate information, it is
imperative to furnish mentors with thorough training on the health consequences associated with
smoking and vaping.
Challenges for Mentees:
a)
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is a prevalent phenomenon experienced by young males, wherein they
encounter social influence to partake in smoking or vaping activities. Mentees may encounter
challenges when it comes to declining requests or invitations from friends or acquaintances who
promote such conduct. In order to counteract detrimental influences, mentors play a crucial role
in facilitating the cultivation of self-assurance and the acquisition of assertiveness abilities
among their mentees.
b) Misinformation
Erroneous beliefs around smoking and vaping can contribute to suboptimal decision-
making. Mentees have the potential to encounter erroneous information via several sources such
as media outlets, social circles, or online platforms. Mentors are required to offer dependable and
evidence-based knowledge in order to fight the dissemination of misinformation.
Resources and Support:
Mentors will be provided with a comprehensive toolbox that has been specifically
intended to furnish them with the essential resources required to proficiently assist mentees
through conversations pertaining to smoking and vaping. The toolset will comprise of:
Educational Resources:
Comprehensive materials pertaining to the health hazards
linked to smoking and vaping, specifically designed to cater to the mentees' age demographic.
Conversation Guides:
Conversation guidelines are designed to provide a structured
framework for engaging in open and constructive discussions about sensitive subjects. The
provided recommendations will encompass recommended discussion topics, possible inquiries,
and approaches to effectively handle prevalent apprehensions.
Helpline and Support Network:
To facilitate effective communication and provide
assistance beyond scheduled sessions, a helpline or designated contact person will be accessible
for mentors and mentees. This resource aims to address inquiries, address issues, and offer
supplementary advice.
Monitoring and Evaluating Progress:
The continuous monitoring and evaluation of mentorship relationships are essential for
the program's overall effectiveness. Regular monitoring and evaluation sessions will offer
valuable observations regarding the interactions between mentors and mentees, so guaranteeing a
favorable and influential mentorship encounter that is in line with the objectives of the program.
They will include; a)
Regular Check-ins
Regular check-in sessions will be conducted at prearranged intervals between mentors
and mentees. These check-ins may manifest in diverse formats, such as face-to-face meetings,
virtual video chats, or telephonic conversations. During these meetings, mentors and mentees
will be afforded the opportunity to engage in discussions pertaining to their respective growth,
problems, and accomplishments. The objective is to uphold unrestricted channels of
communication, enabling mentees to express their experiences, seek counsel, and obtain tailored
assistance from their mentors.
b)
Anonymous Feedback Forms
The acquisition of anonymous input from both mentors and mentees constitutes a crucial
component of the evaluation process. The feedback forms will be specifically crafted to collect
valuable information regarding the mentorship experience, the efficacy of communication tactics
employed, and any potential areas that may require enhancement. The purpose of this feedback is
to analyze and discern recurring patterns, notable strengths, and potential challenges within the
mentorship relationships. By maintaining anonymity throughout the feedback process,
individuals will experience a greater sense of ease in articulating their opinions candidly, thereby
guaranteeing that their feedback is authentic and beneficial in nature.
Fun Activities:
Engaging and fun activities will be created to augment the impact of the mentorship
program and cultivate lasting connections. These activities not only offer respite from the daily
routine but also serve as opportunities for educational enrichment, fostering teamwork, and
facilitating individual development. These activities will include;
a)
Team-Building Activities
The team-building exercises will be specifically developed to foster collaboration,
effective communication, and a shared understanding between mentors and mentees. The breadth
of activities can encompass problem-solving tasks as well as creative group projects. The
objective is to foster collaboration among participants, facilitate the interchange of ideas, and
cultivate a sense of camaraderie that beyond the boundaries of the structured mentorship
sessions.
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b)
Sports Events
Sports activities provide a dynamic and physical platform for mentors and mentees to
establish and strengthen their interpersonal connections. Engaging in athletic activities fosters the
cultivation of collaborative efforts, self-control, and the establishment of beneficial routines.
Additionally, this platform offers mentors the chance to impart their own experiences pertaining
to sports and physical activities, underscoring the need of sustaining an active way of life for the
enhancement of both physical and mental health.
c)
Outdoor Excursions
Setting up outdoor trips enables mentors and mentees to experience adventure together
while fostering a connection with the natural world. These outings could involve hiking,
camping, or discovering nearby attractions. Outdoor activities offer a chance for mentors and
mentees to learn new skills, develop resilience, and obtain a different perspective on life's
obstacles. They also offer a break from routine.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this mentoring program will greatly help Australia's young boys aged 10 to 18
who smoke and vape, particularly those who are indigenous and of Torres Strait Islander descent.
The program will equip mentees with the knowledge, abilities, and confidence necessary to make
sensibly informed decisions about smoking and vaping by providing an organized and
encouraging atmosphere. Mentees will have a safe space to talk about their worries, ask for
advice, and receive accurate information about the health dangers connected with these practices
through regular check-ins and open contact with their mentors. Anonymized feedback forms will
make sure the program is flexible and sensitive to the participants' changing demands while also
pointing out areas for improvement. A strong sense of community and trust will be developed
between mentors and mentees as a result of the inclusion of team-building exercises, sporting
events, and outdoor trips. The program will foster positive behavior change, provide young boys
the ability to resist peer pressure, and ultimately help to lower the prevalence of smoking and
vaping among this vulnerable group by creating these supportive relationships and providing
interesting activities.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Home to health care to hospital: evaluation
of a cancer care team based in Australian Aboriginal primary care
. Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/health-professionals/cultural-safety-for-
health-professionals/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-practitioner/36207/?
title=Home+to+health+care+to+hospital+
+evaluation+of+a+cancer+care+team+based+in+Australian+Aboriginal+primary+care&
contentid=36207_1
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey. (2019, April 12). National Drug Strategy
Household Survey - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
. Australian Institute of
Health
and
Welfare.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/about-our-data/our-data-collections/national-drug-strategy-
household-survey
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021, June 25). Australia’s youth: Alcohol, tobacco
and
other
drugs
.
Australian
Institute
of
Health
and
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https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs
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