On Wednesday, August 27, the front page of The Tampa Bay Times read, “Tobacco Use in Schools Spikes”.  The article confirms what we see in our own schools is occurring across the state. We have recently struggled with students using e-cigarettes/vaping on campus. This trend has been evidenced across all grade levels at our school. The latest statistics from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicate that 5.9% of middle and high school students reported e-cigarette use. 7.8% of high school students report to vape compared to 3.5% of middle schoolers. 71.1% of daily vape users report they are vaping to relieve anxiety or stress. Students also report they vape because it “looks cool” or “tastes good.” The tobacco industry caters to kids by creating flavors and designs that are specifically attractive to teens. Some feature candy flavors and popular cartoon or anime designs. Some teens may not even know that the vapes contain nicotine which is highly addictive and can affect brain development. Teachers are reporting that it is highly disruptive when students leave class to vape and can see evidence of increased irritability and disruptive behaviors in the students due to nicotine cravings.

Research indicates that students with disabilities are more prone to vaping than their non-disabled peers. 18.3% of high school students with disabilities reported using e-cigarettes compared to 12.3% of their non-disabled peers.  Students with disabilities are very susceptible to peer pressure and sometimes lack the confidence to self-advocate against requests to participate in vaping.

While both vaping and cigarette smoking are both detrimental to one’s health, we are finding that detecting e-cigarette smoking in our schools is much more difficult. The size and design of vaping devices are easily concealed, often disguised to resemble items such as pens, highlighters, USB drives, lipsticks, or earbuds. The odor is less noticeable and tends to dissipate quickly, allowing for quick usage, which makes them much easier to use on a trip to the bathroom.  All these factors have made it much more difficult for school administration to monitor the use of e-cigarettes on campus. Parents should be aware that students are likely to face school disciplinary action and possibly legal consequences if caught vaping or being in possession of a vape at school.

As parents, you are key to helping us stop this problem in our schools. Set a good example by modeling and reinforcing healthy behaviors. Be tobacco and vape free yourself. If you are unable to be tobacco or vape-free, then make your home and car a tobacco or vape-free zone. This way you limit your child’s exposure to the behavior. Have open and honest conversations with your child about the health consequences of vaping as well as the disciplinary consequences that can occur if caught at school. Practice with your child on what they might say if offered a vape or cigarette. Help them learn to say “no.”

As a school, we will do our part to educate students on the health risks as well as the consequences of vaping at school. Together, we can work toward a healthier tomorrow for our students.