Teen vaping has become a pressing concern for schools across the United States. Driven by the influx of affordable, disposable devices predominantly imported from China, the availability of electronic cigarette products continues to rise. Despite efforts by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate flavors appealing to kids, both disposable and refillable vaping devices remain popular among teenagers. While there isn't enough conclusive data to determine if vaping is better or worse than smoking cigarettes, local school officials are well aware of its adverse impact on students' learning and overall well-being.
The Startling Prevalence of Vaping Among Students
According to Shane Cower, principal of Tyrone Area Middle School, students are starting to vape at a surprisingly young age. The addictive nature of vaping leads students to divert their attention from academics and focus on sneaking a hit during class. Both middle and high school students in Tyrone have been caught either actively vaping or in possession of vaping materials, resulting in several infractions each month. Andrew Neely, principal of Altoona Area High School, reports that students tend to vape the most in locker rooms and bathrooms, which not only poses health risks to themselves but also exposes other students to harmful chemicals.
Implementing Vape Detection Technology in Schools
To combat the rising issue of vaping, schools are adopting vape detection technology. Vape detectors installed in high school bathrooms have proven to be effective in identifying students who are vaping. These sensors trigger alerts, enabling school officials to determine who was involved in the incident. Richard Schreier, principal of Bellwood-Antis High School, states that the implementation of vape sensors has significantly reduced vaping incidents in their buildings. Additionally, Bellwood-Antis students have the option to report vaping incidents or possession anonymously through a tip line. Altoona Area High School conducts morning searches to ensure vape pens and materials are not brought into the school premises.
Consequences Faced by Students
Blair County school districts have established strict consequences for students caught vaping or in possession of vaping devices. When a student is found in violation, the device is confiscated, and the contents of the pods are thoroughly investigated. Parents or guardians are then contacted regarding the incident. The penalties can be severe, often resulting in a three-day suspension that disrupts the student's regular schedule. Additionally, students receive a non-traffic citation filed through the district magistrate for possessing vaping devices on school property. They are also fined $50 and enrolled in a cessation education group. In the Claysburg-Kimmel School District, students have the option to participate in a Smokeless Saturday program, which serves as both a disciplinary action and a learning experience to encourage them to quit vaping.
Marketing Tactics and Health Concerns
School officials express concern about the marketing strategies employed by vaping companies to target teenagers. The enticing flavors and designs of vaping devices, resembling ice cream sundaes or candy, make them appealing to students. However, many students are unaware of the substances they are inhaling. Apart from nicotine, vaping liquids often contain alarming amounts of THC and other drugs. The presence of these additional substances, such as fentanyl, is particularly troubling. Schools are considering changing the consequences for vaping in order to address this growing concern.
Health Risks Associated with Vaping
Health experts highlight the serious health risks associated with vaping, particularly due to the questionable substances found in vape pods. Beverly Haynes from Altoona Lung Specialists states that vaping can lead to severe lung diseases, including lung cancer, as well as heart-related complications that can be fatal. Vaping liquids contain numerous toxins, such as Flakka (bath salts), formaldehyde, acrolein (a weed killer), and acetaldehyde. Nicotine, fentanyl, and THC are also frequently reported substances found in vaping liquids. Prolonged vaping can cause irreversible damage to the lungs and heart, resulting in conditions like COPD, cancer, emphysema, popcorn lung, lipoid pneumonia, and collapsed lungs. These diseases come with debilitating side effects, including pain and wheezing, requiring treatments such as prescription medications, inhalers, and oxygen therapy.
Educating Students and Parents
To address the issue of vaping, organizations like Blair Drug and Alcohol Prevention (BDAP) work closely with schools, teaching students the tools they need to refuse offers of vaping or smoking and counter peer pressure. They conduct programs and provide opportunities for discussions about the dangers of vaping. The harmful effects of vaping juices, coupled with the lack of awareness among kids about the substances they are inhaling, highlight the urgent need for education and prevention efforts. Vaping provides a quick nicotine hit, and its ease of use can lead to more frequent usage compared to traditional cigarettes.
The Importance of Parental Awareness
Unfortunately, there is a significant degree of indifference towards vaping among both students and parents. Paula Foreman, the Community Relations Director of Altoona Area School District (AASD), emphasizes the crucial role of parental involvement and awareness. Many parents and students fail to recognize the dangers associated with vaping. Neely proposes organizing an evening information session for parents to learn about the risks of vaping and how to identify signs of vaping among their children, with expert guidance.
