Dear *|FNAME|*,
Welcome to another quarterly issue of the Positive Choices newsletter, where we share trusted parenting resources to help you have more effective conversations with your teen about drugs and alcohol.
In this edition, you'll find details about our upcoming webinar which delves into the challenge of nicotine pouches facing school communities. We've also featured our latest blog post looking at recent trends in ketamine use among Australian youth, plus plenty more!
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Did you know that you can follow Positive Choices on Facebook, X and now LinkedIn? Stay up-to-date on the latest research, evidence-based drug education resources and prevention programs, as well as relevant news and events. Find our social media pages below:
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NEW WEBINAR ABOUT NICOTINE POUCHES!
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Nicotine pouch use among young Australians has risen. Are nicotine pouches yet another example of tobacco companies adapting and changing their products to reach new markets? And what impact is this having on young people?
Register now for our free webinar on Wednesday 5th August at 12pm Sydney time!
Presented by Emily Jenkinson and Ciara Madigan from the Tobacco Control Unit at Cancer Council NSW, as well as Lauren Kinsella (Senior Project Officer for NSW Health), in this 1-hour-session they will cover:
- An overview of nicotine pouches
- Recent findings from Generation Vape revealing trends in use among Australian youth
- How these findings informed the development, promotion and launch of nicotine pouches factsheets for NSW Health
- Practical tips for school communities
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RECENT HIGHLIGHT FROM US...
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You may have recently seen or heard about ketamine in the media for more reasons than one – from its newly government-subsidised use for treatment-resistant depression, to reports of rising non-prescribed use at music events. But what does the evidence actually tell us?
Our latest blog post reveals what you need to know about current trends in ketamine use among young people, including:
- The difference between prescribed and non-prescribed use
- Short and long-term effects + potential harms like urinary tract damage
- The added risks of combining ketamine with alcohol and other drugs
- Why illegally obtained ketamine may not actually be ketamine
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RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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Alcohol and risk taking: How to help your
teenager stay safe
Teenagers are more like to act on impulses and take risks. Drinking alcohol can also increase risky behaviours. Our factsheet explores this + offers tips for how you can discuss and minimise your teen's risk-taking behaviour around alcohol.
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Escape the vape: supporting young people who vape
Check out this Department of Health, Disability and Ageing resource for parents and carers wanting to support a young person to quit vaping. On this page, you'll find short videos, a conversation guide, factsheet, FAQs + information on where to get help.
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Drugs A to Z Factsheet: Ketamine
Ever heard of terms like "K-hole" and "K-cramps"? Check out our recently updated factsheet to learn about these, plus other immediate and long term effects of ketamine use. You'll also find a helpful summary on what is ketamine, how it is used + more!
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Recommended Game: Healthy Heroes
Healthy Heroes is an interactive comic book with mini games where superhero characters are exposed to substances like nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis. Players learn about common health effects as they work to identify the substances. Click here to learn more.
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RESOURCES FOR ABORIGINAL AND
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES
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For many families, it can be hard to find parenting information that feels right or culturally relevant. Emerging Minds Australia’s new Parenting our way resources – co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers – offer practical guidance on children’s mental health, development, parenting strengths, and connection to culture + community. Check them out and support your child's wellbeing.
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Generation Vape report: Turning the Tide on NSW Teen Vaping. Recent findings from Generation Vape suggest that youth vaping is declining in NSW. In October 2025, 88% of teens reported little or no use. Rates of heavy vaping also fell, however, ease-of-access still remains a concern. Read the full report here.
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The aim of this e-newsletter is to provide our subscribers with information about drug prevention resources, and to share relevant news and events.
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this newsletter to other parents and families within your networks, and encourage them to subscribe here.
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