Vaping

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to the FDA, vaporizers, e-cigarettes, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products use an “e-liquid” that may contain nicotine as well as varying compositions of flavorings.  Devices can resemble flash drives, pens, juice boxes, candy, and whipped cream.

KEY POINTS

  • The liquid is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales.
  • Common device brands include: Juul, Stok, Vuse, Blu, Logic, and MarkTen.
  • E-cigarette use among high-school and middle-school kids rose from 77 percent and 50 percent, respectively, from 2017 to 2018. The estimates show that more than 3.5 million minors vaped at least once in 2018.

SHARED WISDOM

  • Q: I would be interested in any information, presentations, videos that you have on vaping specifically for middle school 6-8 students. We would like to go into the classrooms, show kids a video and give information on vaping. Also would like to send home information for parents too.
    • A: Our school nurse has used the Catch My Breath curriculum and did a 6 week course with our sixth grade: https://catchinfo.org/modules/e-cigarettes
    • A: Human Relations Media has a great tool ~ “Vaping, Nicotine & the Developing Brain” an 18 min video and includes a teacher’s guide: www.hrmvideo.com   800-431-2050
  • Q: In our Middle School and High School, we are seeing a rise in vaping and other substances. What do you all do to combat this? Do you have a contact (Doctor, speaker, etc.) that presents to the kiddos? Or have you done something like that before?
    • A:  We have been dealing with this for several years.  We have utilized the services of Our Place in our area.  The representatives set up education sessions in our middle and high schools to address vaping, tobacco, and other drugs.  This, combined with increased teacher awareness of the ease with which vaping can happen in the classroom setting + behavioral interventions has produced positive results.  This is part of a counselor’s notes from information that Our Place shared in a meeting with us a few years ago:
    • What can teachers/counselors do?
      • Stay involved as much as possible
      • Make rules clear and enforce them consistently
      • Encourage students through transitions
      • Talk to youth about drugs: No lectures, just short conversations
      • Point out irresponsible behaviors on behalf of individuals and industry
      • Help raise awareness
      • Don’t be silent
      • Don’t ignore underlying issues–help them get help
      • Don’t turn a blind eye or ignore the possibility
      • Be mindful about inadvertently sending out Pro-use messages “When I was a kid and tried marijuana…” Kids just hear, Mr. Smith used MJ, too!!
      • Don’t use recovering individuals as prevention

      How to Approach

      • Like any other problem or issue
      • Don’t judge or preach or shame
      • Educate
      • Let them know possible outcomes
      • Offer resources
      • Don’t get caught up in what other agencies may or may not do

      Policies should:

      • Include clear rules and guidelines
      • Include Vaping policy separate from vaping
      • Address need for referral services
      • Provide evidence based prevention programming with fidelity
    • A:  If you have students who are struggling with substance abuse.  Please know that Hope Academy is here to help.  We are located next to UIndy on the south side of Indianapolis.  We are a public charter school that provides both education and recovery supports for students.  We provide a Core 40 Diploma to students and are primarily a school.  Students work with Recovery Coaches and attend meetings to support them in getting clean and sober.  In the past we have also had our students go to schools and present panels about substance use and how it has affected their lives.  Contact us if we can be of help.
  • Q: I was wondering if anyone had any free resources for someone to come and speak to our students about the dangers of vaping, drugs, drinking, etc. Especially from a health/physical perspective
  • A FREE curriculum available about e-cigs and vaping; the curriculum is specifically for 5th through 12 grades, but I’m sure the info would be great for parents of all levels too: https://catchinfo.org/modules/e-cigarettes/
  • Question: Does anyone have a fact sheet with risks and dangers associated with the use of e-cigs for young people?
  • I work with students with substance violations. I find that students often have misinformation about e-cigarettes and vaping, so I strive to educate. When a student is in violation, they are required to meet with me. I complete a CRAFFT Screening with them to find out the student’s history of drug use. In addition, they are required to complete “Everything You Need to Know About E-Cigarettes, Vaping, and Hookahs.” It consists of a video (20 minutes) with pre and post activities the student completes with their parent. Total time for video and activities–approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The video/teacher guide is available for purchase at Human Relations Video.  www.hrmvideo.com.  Cost:$149.95. A new video is scheduled for release in December–“Juuling and Vaping: What the Latest Research Reveals.”  (Counselor Talk, October 2018)
  • How schools handle vaping violations (Counselor Talk, October 2018)
    • I am at a middle school, but we have a similar issue. We treat it as any other tobacco offense if it is used at school. The device is taken away, parents are notified and are asked to come pick up their student to have a meeting with the principal. They then serve one day out of school suspension. Regarding prevention, we are having a speaker come in to show the side effects and how it has consequences just as cigarettes do.
    • In our handbook we have the infraction listed as tobacco or e-cigarette. We consider the vape being an e-cigarette. If the student is under the age of 18, they are also cited with a infraction ticket through our Resource Officer that is sent through our court system.
    • Once already this year we had a student with a vape and the oil contained THC (marijuana). This student is pending expulsion and the case was turned over to juvenile probation for possession.
    • We amended our student handbook this year to treat vaping the same as tobacco use.
    • Just like any other drug or cigarettes or alcohol.
    • We have resource officers; they receive a ticket ($135). It is a regular ticket, if they do not pay it they cannot get their driver’s license.
  • What Juuling Does to Your Body

RESOURCES

  • (Added 12/5/23, IYI): Navigating the Vaping Landscape: What Every Youth Worker Should Know – The prevalence of vaping among high school seniors is a pressing concern, with 1.9% of students in 7th-12th grade reported smoking cigarettes at least once in the past month in Indiana, in 2022, according to Indiana University Prevention Insights.  As an educator or caring adult, it’s crucial to stay informed and address this issue proactively. Here’s what you need to know according to We are Teachers: 

    • Vaping vs. E-Cigs: Traditional e-cigarettes differ from vapes. Vapes, popular among teens, are discreet, refillable devices heating flavored “vape juice.” They may contain nicotine or even THC, the marijuana chemical. Awareness of these distinctions is vital.

    • Targeting Our Students: Vape manufacturers appeal to teens with enticing flavors like fruit juice, candy, and breakfast-cereal-style. Recognizing this marketing strategy is crucial for understanding the allure of vaping to young people.

    • Misconceptions About Harm: Many teens may not fully grasp the harm associated with vaping. While perceived as less harmful than smoking, vaping’s long-term effects on teenagers are uncertain. Address vaping in your health curriculum to ensure students are well-informed.

    • Marijuana’s Odor-Free Facade: Vape juice containing THC can go undetected due to sweet flavors masking its scent. Establishing awareness around this fact is vital.

    • School-Wide Protocols: Establish clear protocols for vaping within the existing framework of drug, alcohol, and tobacco policies. Update policies to explicitly address vaping on school grounds and possession of vaping devices. Consider alternative consequences such as drug and alcohol prevention courses.

    In addressing the vaping epidemic, education and clear policies are our strongest allies. Stay informed, communicate openly with students, and work collectively to create a safe and informed school environment. To learn more from the ideas above, click here.  Additionally, our partners at Allen County Drug and Alcohol Consortium (DAC) provide tools and insights to explore while learning more, click here. 

  • Sample Parent Letter (Seeger Jr-Sr High School) [gdrts_stars_rating type=”counselor1stop.resources” id= 22111 ]
  • US Surgeon General’s Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes and Young People [gdrts_stars_rating type=”counselor1stop.resources” id= 22112 ]
  • American Lung Association’s E-Cigarettes, “Vapes,” and JUULS: What Teens Should Know [gdrts_stars_rating type=”counselor1stop.resources” id= 22113 ]
  • Vaping Curriculum:

CONTACT TOPIC MANAGER

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