Educating Students and Parents on Vaping is a Top Priority

By Kate Anslinger

Vaping.

We’ve all heard about it, but what exactly is it? The mysterious handheld electronic device has recently been the cause of curiosity amongst parents, teachers and even students. Also known as an e-cigarette, the gadget is designed to provide a nicotine high in a more sophisticated manner than a cigarette. The user inhales the vapor generated from heated liquid that contains as much nicotine as cigarettes, depending the user’s intake.

While the vaping industry has seen exponential growth in recent years, there are still limited resources available that define the harmful side effects and some assume that it is “a healthier form of smoking cigarettes.”

Because the vaping trend is still so new, there is a lack of valid research, however; Winthrop Public Schools is determined to take a proactive stance on the matter by keeping parents and students informed. Forecasting the potential vaping popularity, high school Principal Matt Crombie added and defined rules in the school handbook over three years ago. As expected, vaping became increasingly popular amongst students. Wanting to make it even more clear that vaping is by no means allowed on school property, signs were added on the outside of the building, as well as in every bathroom.

One of the major allures to these vaping tools is the fact that they can be concealed much easier than cigarettes, which emit an obvious smoke smell. Students who are caught with the devices are suspended for three days and are required to work with the diversion program run by CASA. As part of this program, students attend a vaping seminar, where they learn the harsh realities of vaping and addiction.

“The addictive piece is the most concerning,” said Crombie, who is more determined to educate students than to punish them. Crombie has also implemented an advisory block that is held every other week to educate parents. Teachers are continuously being encouraged to stay updated on the health risks, trends and consequences surrounding the vaping movement.

In some sense, the vaping trend can be compared to the start of cigarette smoking, considering we are in a time period where the lack of long-term research prevents us from showing long-term effects, and the fact that vaping could very well be a gateway drug to cigarettes. Back in the nineties, there was plenty of long-term research showcasing the harmful effects of cigarettes, so children of that time period had solid statistics that resulted in major awareness and anti-smoking campaigns.

“If no one ever told you it was bad, and you can go to a store and buy it, that gives students the green light,” said Crombie, who is working on a plan to address the topic district wide. “It’s important that the community, parents, and staff get involved in educating the students and we will need to determine what age group to start at.”

Winthrop isn’t the only school that is struggling with a plan to tackle the vaping situation, as Crombie has had conversations with principals across the Commonwealth regarding the widely spreading trend.

“Kids are learning so much quicker than we are, and it’s so important to close the information gap,” said parent, Carolyn Gagnon. “Because kids are so far ahead when it comes to learning, it’s important for them to hear from parents about how much we care about them.”

It’s a common feeling amongst the staff at the high school that Winthrop is unique and special, and the tight-knit community will allow staff and parents to reach out to the students in an easier manner.

“We can identify and tackle this situation,” said Crombie.