Preventing Teen Vaping Within Schools

by | May 5, 2023 | careers, Dads, Education, Guest Blog, Latest News

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Teen vaping has become an increasing problem that impacts brain development and poses other potential long-term health effects on youth.  

Preventing Teen Vaping Within Schools

 The popularity of vape products amongst teens has continued to increase in recent years. Appealing flavors and ease of stealthy use have attracted high school students and even middle school students. But, inhaling vaporized liquid nicotine or other substances can lead to serious health risks that impact brain development and even higher risks of cancer. This has led many states to ban flavored e-cigarettes and vape products to reduce the attraction amongst youth. 

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, more than 3.6 million middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This represents a significant increase from previous years and highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the risks of vaping.

The long-term effects of nicotine are still prevalent in vape and e-cigarette products. Nicotine is the primary ingredient in most vaping liquids. It is highly addictive and impacts brain development in young people who vape or use e-cigarette products regularly. Additionally, chemicals used in vapes, such as diacetyl, have been linked to serious lung diseases.

 

Decreased Focus and Productivity 

Because of the impact of vaping on brain development, teachers have noticed decreased student focus and even class interruptions. The addictive quality and ease of use makes vapes and other e-cigarette products stealthier than using tobacco products like cigarettes. This allows them to get away with sneaking vape products in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other confined spaces of the school that make it harder for school administrators to notice. 

 The impact on brain development can have long-term impacts on students’ abilities to stay focused and learn. It can even impact impulse control and harm their ability to get a desired job or career in the future. To combat this issue, schools need to encourage students to ditch the vape before it creates long-lasting effects. 

Is Vaping a Gateway?

One major concern amongst schools is whether vaping is a gateway to other tobacco products. To address the increase in teen vaping, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a ban on flavored e-cigarette products. These types of products attract youth while adding to their addictive quality. Several states and districts have implemented similar bans including Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. 

Preventing Teen Vaping in Schools

 A major way to combat the increasing epidemic in teen vaping is through schools. While teens spend a majority of their week there, helping prevent the issue in schools could encourage them to ditch the vape altogether.

 Education and prevention efforts are crucial to addressing teen vaping. Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers can educate students on the risks of vaping and enforce non-vaping policies to encourage them to make informed decisions about their health.

 Implementing vape detectors within school bathrooms, locker rooms, and other confined areas creates a more welcoming environment for all students. This solution eliminates areas where students may be inclined to use their vape or e-cigarette products to avoid getting caught. 

 Through vape detection, school administrators or other important personnel can be alerted to the issue while knowing exactly when and where the vaping occurred. This allows them to be privy to the problem while it is occurring to avoid the same or similar incidents in the future.