Vapers have taken over school toilets, are intimidating other students and disrupting the school day, a panel of experts has heard.
"They take over the toilets," 13-year-old Angelina Sidhu told reporters after speaking to health officials on Thursday.
The Richmond Agricultural College student said a growing number of students crowded school bathrooms for a vape break, in a trend that was intimidating to other students.
"Some of us don't even want to use the bathroom," she said.
Sydney Secondary College student Porter Christ, 14, said students as young as eight had taken up the habit.
"That's as young as Year 2," she said.
They were just some of the opinions aired at the state's first Vaping Roundtable on Thursday.
School leaders, health experts and students convened to discuss the growing issue of vaping in NSW schools.
The panel heard first-hand accounts about the impact vaping is having on schools in a bid to help guide policy measures.
University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman, who presented on behalf of Generation Vape and Cancer Council NSW, said data showed one in three children aged 14 to 17 have vaped or used an e-cigarette.
Nine out of 10 young people found it easy to access vapes, she told the panel.
Education Minister Prue Car said it was a "sobering morning", and an evidence-based approach was needed to tackle the problem.
Actions proposed include creating a vaping guide to assist teachers and help students trying to quit.
The curriculum may also be updated so it better addresses the dangers of vaping, alongside an online support platform for students.
It is also hoped better referral pathways between schools and community services will help stem the habit.
The proposals are part of wider reforms, including $6.8 million invested over three years to crack down on illegal vape vendors, and to increase support for young people who are addicted to vaping.
It will also complement other measures introduced by the federal government, including restricting the sale of vaping products.
Health Minister Ryan Park said part of the problem was tackling "a very aggressive marketing campaign" around vapes.
"The images and devices that we saw today indicate that these have been marketed highly inappropriately and illegally to children who are as young as in kindergarten," Mr Park said.
He said the government would continue to crack down on retailers illegally selling nicotine vapes, while ramping up its compliance capacity.
"These products are pervasive," Mr Park said.
The federal government in May announced $234 million for tougher regulation, including stricter import and packaging controls.
