Vaping Dangers and Dragons
The Problem
Across the country, the prevalence of teen vaping and smoking in schools has reached alarming levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of vaping among high school students increased from 11.7% in 2017 to 19.6% in 2020, representing a significant rise in just three years. Additionally, the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) reported that over 3.6 million middle and high school students were current e-cigarette users in 2020, with flavored e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product among youth. These statistics underscore the urgent need for action to address the growing problem of teen vaping in schools, as it not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of students but also disrupts the educational environment and contributes to a negative school culture.
Studies have shown that schools can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by implementing comprehensive tobacco prevention programs, enforcing strict tobacco-free policies, and providing resources for students struggling with nicotine addiction. By taking proactive measures to combat teen vaping and smoking, schools can create a safer and healthier environment for all students to thrive academically and socially.
Solutions for School Leaders
Parents often ask principals or other school leader what they are doing to curb this growing pandemic as well as to provide a safe learning environment for the majority of students who follow school rules. Here are some ideas that are endorsed by high school principles.
Education and Awareness Programs: Develop comprehensive educational programs that inform students about the risks and consequences of vaping, including the harmful effects on health, nicotine addiction, and the impact on academic performance.
Peer-Led Initiatives: Encourage student-led initiatives, such as peer mentoring programs or youth advocacy groups, to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and promote healthy behaviors among peers.
Enforce Tobacco-Free Policies: Implement and strictly enforce tobacco-free policies on school grounds, including zero-tolerance policies for vaping devices and other tobacco products. Consistent enforcement sends a clear message that vaping is not tolerated within the school community.
Counseling and Support Services: Provide counseling services and support groups for students struggling with nicotine addiction or seeking help to quit vaping. School counselors can offer individualized support and connect students with resources for cessation programs.
Alternative Activities: Offer alternative activities and outlets for students to engage in during free time, such as sports, arts and crafts, or academic clubs, to reduce boredom and peer pressure associated with vaping.
Parental Involvement: Engage parents through workshops, seminars, or informational sessions to educate them about the dangers of vaping and enlist their support in reinforcing anti-vaping messages at home.
Collaboration with Community Partners: Collaborate with local health departments, youth organizations, and community resources to strengthen anti-vaping initiatives and provide additional support and resources for students.
Surveillance and Monitoring: Implement surveillance measures, such as regular monitoring of school bathrooms and common areas, to deter vaping and promptly address any instances of vaping on school premises.
Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward students who demonstrate healthy behaviors and positive decision-making, reinforcing the importance of staying vape-free.
Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of interventions through data collection, surveys, and feedback from students and staff, and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes and sustain long-term success in combating teen vaping.
Questions to Ask Staff and Parents
Do you know what a vape looks like?
Can you tell the difference between THC vapes and Nicotine vapes?
What are the dangers of each?
How do kids hide vape from the people around them?
Do you know what a “Smoke Buddy” is?
What is a vape hoodie?
How can kids buy vapes if the law requires individuals to be 21 to purchase one?
If you can’t answer these questions, let’s start by educating adults in school and at home.
The Secret to Slaying Dragons
There is no secret solution. There isn’t one thing that will work. Any solution must be multi-tiered, multi-modal, and involve multiple communities including school, families, businesses, and government. Together, we can make an impact.