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Deakin Life Student news and insights

31 May 2026

Break free from the grip of nicotine for World No Tobacco Day

Sunday 31 May 2026 was World No Tobacco Day and this year’s global theme continues the focus on “unmasking the appeal” of nicotine and tobacco products, highlighting how the industry continues to adapt its tactics to attract and maintain users (particularly young people).

At Deakin, we’re committed to supporting positive, informed choices that protect your health and wellbeing. If you’re feeling pressure around vaping or nicotine use, you’re not alone, and support is available without judgement.

Behind the appeal: what’s really going on

Nicotine use doesn’t happen in isolation. Many people are introduced to vaping or nicotine products through social settings, social media, or marketing that can make them seem:

This can make vaping or smoking feel more normal than it is, particularly for young people who are still forming habits and routines. If you’re struggling with nicotine use, there’s no need to feel ashamed. You’re not alone in this experience, and for many people, it can take time to recognise how dependence develops.

In fact, research shows vaping is more common than many people realise:

These figures highlight how widespread exposure and use can be. If you’re finding it difficult to stop or cut down, it’s a shared experience for many people, not something you’re going through alone.

Research also shows that nicotine and vaping products are often promoted in ways that can influence how they are seen and used, particularly through digital and social environments where their risks are not always obvious. Understanding these influences helps shift the focus away from blame and towards awareness. Nicotine use is shaped by environment, exposure, and design, not just individual choice.

Ready to quit? We can help!

While we understand quitting isn’t an easy process, the Deakin community, including our Wellbeing Ambassadors, is here to support you every step of the way.

Health professionals at the Deakin Medical Centre offer free and confidential support to help you quit smoking or vaping. They can work with you to understand your triggers and build a quit plan that suits your lifestyle, plus your chance of quitting successfully increases significantly (by 84%!) with professional support.

👉 Book your free quit support appointment

Need extra support? Call Quitline.

Quitline counsellors provide confidential, non-judgemental support at any stage of your journey. Whether you’re thinking about quitting, cutting down, or have tried before, they can help you take the next step at your own pace. Quitline also offers tools and resources that can help you on your quit journey including:

Quitting isn’t always linear. Many people take more than one attempt before stopping for good, and each step forward counts.

Vape-Free Deakin support hub

If you’re not ready to quit yet, or simply want to learn more, the Vape-Free Deakin hub is available anytime with information, support tools and resources related to smoking and vaping.

Deakin also continues to support the UNCLOUD campaign, a Victorian Government initiative designed to help people better understand the harms of vaping and access clear, evidence-based information and quitting support. UNCLOUD helps cut through common myths and provides practical tools for anyone looking to reduce or quit vaping.

Remember: there’s no smoking or vaping at Deakin

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.

If you have a vape you no longer need, safe disposal options are available on campus. Vapes should not be placed in general waste, as they contain batteries and chemicals that can be harmful to both people and the environment. Dedicated disposal bins make it easy to dispose of them responsibly.



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