Written by Lila McNally
Shaler, we have a problem. Teens are using vapes in and out of school, and now school leaders are looking for ways to educate students of the dangers that come with vaping.
Schools nationwide have seen a steep increase in vaping incidents because of more accessibility and affordability. There are more vape stores and suppliers than ever and the cost has never been lower. Despite rules prohibiting vaping, it is easy for a SAMS’ student to obtain a vape, and many do not know how dangerous the behavior is.
“Vaping or e-cigarettes have been sold in the United States for about 10 years – so there is limited data about long-term health consequences,” SAMS social worker Ms. Kathy Newport said.
Ms. Newport knows how serious the problem of vaping is: She deals with students who bring, use, or sell vapes at SAMS on a regular basis. She said that many young people do not know how harmful vaping can be and that vapes can be used to store illegal drugs such as THC.
So how bad is the problem? The American Academy of Family Physicians reported that nearly three million middle school students nationwide used tobacco products in 2023.
“Vapes cause potential health risks due to the toxic substances found in the devices as well as dangerous chemicals that are produced,” Ms. Newport said. “Studies also reveal that people who vape have a higher chance of addiction and are at risk for nicotine and THC toxicity.”
The SAMS Dean of Students, Mr. Chris Catanese, said that vaping comes with serious consequences.
“The district has provided guidelines to ensure consistency across all buildings,” he said. “We have guidelines based upon Nicotine vs THC based devices.”
“With a nicotine vape, the school can have the court impose a $50 fine. For THC devices the court can impose a $300 fine plus court costs which can be close to $500 in total,” he said.
Fines are not the only consequence. Vaping can lead to suspensions from school, clubs, or athletics. It can also lead to expulsion from school. “If an athlete is found in violation, the individual coach may suspend or remove the athlete from competition,” Mr. Catanese said.
Vaping adds to the injury risk and can cause dangerous respiratory symptoms for athletes. This can have negative effects on an athlete’s overall health and change athletic performance and abilities. And these consequences do not even describe potential health issues.
Ms. Newport said, “The risks for young people are additionally concerning since young people are still growing. Adding toxic substances into your body increases your risk of damaging your lungs and/or developing various types of cancer.”
Teens’ brains are still developing, which can make it easier for them to get addicted to nicotine. There could be serious health problems down the line like asthma, lung conditions, organ damage, and heart disorders.
“Our hope is that more students learn about the serious health consequences of vaping,” Ms. Newport said.
Vaping can also damage a person’s reputation.
“Now that we realize the potential health risks and the legal consequences for vaping – it could impact how a coach or employer might view a person,” Ms. Newport said. “Is this person serious about athletics if they are putting these toxins in their body? Or will someone addicted to vaping be a good employer to have?”
There is no rule that says a student must turn another student in if he or she is vaping in school; however, doing so helps SAMS keep the school environment safe and drug free.
“Students participating in illegal and dangerous activities in our school is not the environment that we want here,” Mr. Catanese said. “The majority of students follow the rules and too many times students breaking the rules require large amounts of our time. If the students take ownership of their school and don’t allow these activities to occur, then the entire culture of the school improves.”
Vaping is a big risk. If a student takes a vape from another, it is impossible to know what is inside of it. For example, students could be doing illegal drugs without knowing it.
Most of the students that fall upon these decisions aren’t aware of what they are really doing and what comes along with it. There is no fun in being in trouble and having consequences for your actions.
“It is very scary to think young people are placing things in their bodies that are poorly regulated,” Ms. Newport said. “Numerous times we have confiscated devices that students did not know contained THC. We have the ability with the help of the police to immediately test all devices that we confiscate. Our police departments have also sent out devices for further analysis due to increasing concerns that other illegal drugs can be added into vape cartridges.
“We know that peers tend to be very powerful influences for each other. Therefore, your peer group can impact your behavior in healthy and sometimes unhealthy ways.” Ms. Newport said.
Vaping negatively affects how teens live their lives. We don’t want to judge, but we do want you to think of the consequences before you try vaping. Vaping is a trap. Vapes have been branded to catch the attention of young people. There are numerous flavors which make them more appealing.
Don’t be a victim of peer pressure. Simply say “no.” At the moment, it might seem “fun,” however, the risks definitely will make you regret your decision to vape. In short, you don’t want to face the consequences.
The SAMS Salmon 