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Deakin Life Student news and insights

30 May 2025

2025 World No Tobacco Day: break free from the appeal of nicotine

World No Tobacco Day is Saturday 31 May 2025, and this year’s global theme, ‘Unmask the Appeal #TobaccoExposed’, turns the spotlight on the sneaky tactics tobacco, nicotine and related industries use to lure in new users – especially young people.

At Deakin, we’re dedicated to challenging the normalization of smoking and vaping, minimising harm, and encouraging our community to seek support to quit for good. Your health and wellbeing are fundamental to your success – in your studies and beyond.

The truth behind the ‘appeal’

Let’s get real: there is nothing cool or harmless about tobacco, vapes or any nicotine product. The industry works overtime to make these products look enticing – bright packaging, sweet flavours, and influencer-driven campaigns that mask the truth. But behind the shiny facade lurks a highly addictive substance and chemicals that are linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and a list of serious, life-threatening illnesses.

While globally fewer young people are choosing traditional tobacco, vaping and other ‘new’ nicotine products are on the rise – and the industry is betting on misinformation and confusion to keep them popular. Most vaping and tobacco products contain nicotine, even when labels attempt to obscure it. As one of the most addictive substances known, nicotine can hijack the brain, altering mood and making it harder to focus on studies, relationships, or daily life.

Nicotine addiction takes hold quickly, especially in young people. And now, the industry is marketing another addictive product: nicotine pouches.

These teabag-like sachets contain a white powder of concentrated nicotine, flavourings, and chemicals absorbed through the mouth lining. Some pouches pack up to six times more nicotine than a cigarette, increasing the risk of dependence. Short-term effects can include mouth sores, nausea, and throat irritation. Despite being illegal to sell in Australia, the industry continues to promote them – putting profit over public health.

While the industry continues to push these products, it’s crucial to understand the real dangers they pose. The reality is clear: nicotine products (whether smoked, vaped, or absorbed) can cause lasting damage to both body and brain. While the risks grow with continued use, it’s never too late to take back control and protect your health.

Ready to quit? We can help!

While we understand quitting isn’t an easy process, the Deakin community (including our wonderful Wellbeing Ambassadors), is with you every step of the way.

To start your nicotine-free journey, contact the Deakin Medical Centre for free Quit counselling support, so book an appointment now!

According to WHO, your chance of quitting successfully increases by a whopping 84% if you receive professional medical advice.


Need extra support? Call Quitline.

As well as helping people to quit smoking, Quitline can help you to stop vaping.

When you call Quitline, you speak confidentially with a qualified counsellor who can answer your questions without judgement, and support you on how you would like to quit. They’ll be there for you when you need them, at any stage of your quitting journey – even if it takes a few attempts to stay quit.

Want to learn more? Check out the resources below:

Reminder: Deakin is a Smoke and Vape Free Zone

Deakin says ‘no’ to smoking – this includes our grounds, buildings and carparks, and extends to electronic cigarettes. This is to keep our community healthy and ensure a clean and enjoyable campus experience. Spotted someone lighting up? A polite reminder to put it out goes a long way.

Check out Deakin’s full policy regarding smoking and vaping on campus via the World No Tobacco Day page.



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