More than $400,000 will be allocated to two research projects to investigate the marketing of e-cigarettes on children and young people, particularly on social media.
The research projects will investigate e-cigarette marketing on social media to help health professionals engage with young people online to prevent e-cigarette uptake.
The research projects will also examine the legislation and regulatory frameworks to stop young people in Western Australia from seeing social media e-cigarette advertisements.
This funding is part of $819,000 to be invested into research projects that will investigate the impact of harmful industry marketing on children and young people in WA.
The seven research projects, which received funding through Healthway’s Healthy Research Program, will focus on industries that produce, sell, and promote unhealthy products in both traditional and online environments.
The outcomes from the research projects will inform evidence-based programs or policies that will limit children and young people’s exposure to marketing by harmful industries, and educate them about the associated harms.
For more information about Healthway funding, visit
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“The McGowan Government is committed to protecting kids from the alcohol, tobacco, unhealthy food and beverages, and the gambling industries.
“We know that exposure to these industries can have negative long-term consequences on children and young people, and we need to take the necessary action to protect them.
“These harmful industries invest a lot of money into traditional and digital marketing tactics, including using social media influencers and sport stars, to influence kids to consume their products.
“We want our children to grow up in a safe and healthy community, and these research projects will provide the evidence-base we need to address this global issue in WA.”
