Vaping has been an on-going epidemic in recent years, and one that has been a growing concern in the school setting. According to a survey conducted in 2022, approximately 2.55 million middle and high school students in the US use e-cigarettes. What’s astonishing is the fact that those numbers derive from a survey, meaning that there are probably hundreds, if not thousands more that should be added to those statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens and young adults as most contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and other harmful substances. Nicotine can impair adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. It can harm the parts of the brain controlling attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Additionally, the CDC notes that young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future and the use of nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.
A common misconception the youth has is turning to vaping in order to deal with stress and anxiety, which in turn creates a dependency on nicotine. However, nicotine addiction itself can become a source of stress. E-cigarette use in adolescents has also been identified to be associated with mental health issues, such as depression. In addition to the negative health impacts of vaping, it also takes a toll on a student’s academic success. It is more likely that students who vape experience difficulty focusing in class, have a reduced memory retention and decreased productivity.
How has the law addressed this issue?
In Texas, an individual must be at least 21 years old to legally buy or own tobacco products, including e-cigarettes or vape devices. However, as we all know, that is not nearly enough to stop underage kids from getting their hands on them if they wanted. Consequently, the fight to end e-cigarette use among adolescents is still a long one and every possible method should be explored and exercised to deter such habits.
School boards are required by state law to prohibit students from smoking, using, or possessing e-cigarettes or tobacco products while participating in a school-related or school-sanctioned activity on or off school premises. 38.006 Tex. Educ. Code (b). The increasing prevalence and accessibility of e-cigarettes, including e-cigarettes containing marijuana or other controlled substances, has caused school staff and administrators to face great challenges in their ability to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.
HB 114, which was recently passed in June and becomes effective this September, relates to the possession, use and delivery of marihuana and e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events. Such a bill provides that e-cigarette related offenses result in a mandatory placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). A DAEP is an alternative education program for students who violate a district’s Student Code of Conduct or certain other offenses. Additionally, districts may provide educational and support services to a student and the student’s parents when the offense involves e-cigarettes. 37.008 Tex. Educ. Code (k). Such a program should most definitely be implemented by as many school districts as possible. Schools play a vital role in the prevention of e-cigarette use in students and in the production of healthier habits and it’s crucial that the common misconceptions and dangers surrounding vaping be made aware to students, as well as parents.
What can we do?
To effectively address this situation, a collaborative effort between schools and parents is essential. In addition to the laws put in place to address this issue, there are various other methods that could be implemented to clear the air and protect our children of our community’s well-being.
In school, education and awareness campaigns to inform students on the dangers of vaping can be essential. This can include classroom discussions, guest speakers who have dealt with the unfortunate consequences of using e-cigarettes, as well as posters around the school providing information on the risks associated with vaping. Encouraging student involvement in anti-vaping campaigns or clubs can also be greatly influential on the influence of peers. Importantly, schools can provide counseling and support for students who may be struggling with nicotine addiction.
As important as educating on this topic is in schools, it is just as important to have these discussions at home. Some parents would never dream of their children participating in such an activity, however, it is still vital that all parents take initiative and begin having non-judgmental conversations with their kids about the topic and inform them of the dangers that come with it. This unfortunate trend requires that both schools and parents work together in creating a safe and healthy environment for students in order or them to prosper both academically and personally. It will take a collective effort to clear the air and protect the children of our community.
