❓ I refer to the Government's two-year vape detector trial, and I ask: (a) What was the rate of vaping-related incidents at each of the 10 trial schools in the 12 months before the installation of vape
AnsweredQoN 1990Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Government's two-year vape detector trial, and I ask: (a) What was the rate of vaping-related incidents at each of the 10 trial schools in the 12 months before the installation of vape detectors and in the 12 months after installation; (b) What were the formal findings and outcomes of the trial; and (c) Does the Government intend to roll out vape detectors to additional WA public schools? If so, what is the rollout timeline?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
13 May 2026
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
6 days
a) The rate of vaping-related suspensions at each of the 10 trial schools in the 12 months before the installation of vape detectors, and in the 12 months after installation.
Trial School
Rate of suspensions
12 months before
Rate of suspensions
12 months after
Applecross Senior High School
0.8
0.7
Baldivis Secondary College
2.5
1.2
Ballajura Community College
1.3
1.3
Belridge Secondary College
1.8
1.9
Bullsbrook College
1.0
0.9
Dalyellup College
3.2
0.8
John Curtin College of the Arts
0.4
0.1
John Tonkin College
0.3
0.0
Lesmurdie Senior High School
2.0
1.9
Manjimup Senior High School
2.5
1.2
Notes:
· The trial started on 31 July 2024.
· “Before trial” period is 31 July 2023 to 30 July 2024
· “After installation” period is 31 July 2024 to 30 July 2025
· Rate before installation period is based on Semester 2, 2023 attendance data
· Rate after installation period is based on Semester 2, 2024 attendance data
· Suspensions for vaping related incidents are not related to vape detector alerts.
Source: Census, Student Attendance Reporting (SAR).
(b) - (c) While there was some reduction in visible vaping in high-risk areas, the evaluation of the trial concluded that students often adapted their behaviour and detectors alone were insufficient to achieve sustained change. Preventative education, strong school culture and clear expectations remain the Department’s primary and most effective responses to addressing vaping among young people.
Trial School
Rate of suspensions
12 months before
Rate of suspensions
12 months after
Applecross Senior High School
0.8
0.7
Baldivis Secondary College
2.5
1.2
Ballajura Community College
1.3
1.3
Belridge Secondary College
1.8
1.9
Bullsbrook College
1.0
0.9
Dalyellup College
3.2
0.8
John Curtin College of the Arts
0.4
0.1
John Tonkin College
0.3
0.0
Lesmurdie Senior High School
2.0
1.9
Manjimup Senior High School
2.5
1.2
Notes:
· The trial started on 31 July 2024.
· “Before trial” period is 31 July 2023 to 30 July 2024
· “After installation” period is 31 July 2024 to 30 July 2025
· Rate before installation period is based on Semester 2, 2023 attendance data
· Rate after installation period is based on Semester 2, 2024 attendance data
· Suspensions for vaping related incidents are not related to vape detector alerts.
Source: Census, Student Attendance Reporting (SAR).
(b) - (c) While there was some reduction in visible vaping in high-risk areas, the evaluation of the trial concluded that students often adapted their behaviour and detectors alone were insufficient to achieve sustained change. Preventative education, strong school culture and clear expectations remain the Department’s primary and most effective responses to addressing vaping among young people.
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