Have you ever wondered what is in a vape? Or what vaping could do to your body? I do not think you would be relieved when you find out. Vaping on school grounds is presently an issue across multiple high schools
According to DrugWatch.com, a total of 22.1% of students vape in Tennessee, and stated in AP news, 10% of high school students in the United States have said they used e-cigarettes. Vaping puts youth at risk for serious and lasting health consequences. Since teens’ brains are still developing, they can get addicted to nicotine a lot faster than adults. Nicotine can also lead to loss of memory and students could have trouble learning.
“Usually I just walk into the bathroom and I catch students vaping, or other students and teachers let us know,” school resource officer Ariana Prather said.
West Creek High School recently installed vape sensors in bathrooms, alerting the administration immediately when they are set off. Administrators then consult footage from the cameras outside of the bathrooms to identify who they would need to have a further conversation with.
“The vape sensors have helped us identify a number of things, some which I can’t disclose but they have absolutely helped us,” Deputy Prather said.
Students who are caught vaping have the consequence of three days in ISS, and it could lead to suspension; however, if the vape contains THC, it would be expulsion for the student. Although the vape detectors have helped catch and identify students, some aren’t too happy with them.
“They should’ve at least told us they were installed, instead they were just there one day and everyone started to get caught. Like they should’ve told us because it is something that can lead to us getting hurt or in trouble,” an anonymous student said.
School resource officers and administrators are not out to get students. They truly care about students’ health so don’t think getting caught is something to be taken personally.
“I always try to talk to students to see if they are addicted to nicotine and just to see how I can help,” Deputy Prather said. “Some students would even be straight up honest to me and tell me they are addicted and that they want help.”
