PAHS combats the vaping issue
The recent vaping epidemic targets teens and public high schools are making efforts to try to combat this viral issue. Recently, vape detectors were installed and had been used by many schools, including STC.The vape detectors detect all types of smoke and vapor and send a text message to the phones of teachers and administrators.
Vaping has risen to a statewide crisis and created an epidemic in America. Vaping has been an nationwide issue but since recently teens have been using their harmful practice in schools; According to National Public Radio (NPR), Researchers estimate that around 1 in 17 high school students vapes daily.
Recently, teachers and administrators have been working together to combat the vaping issue. Vaping tends to occur in the bathrooms so recently, detectors have been installed, bathrooms have been closed for maintenance and students have been inconvenienced by the vaping trend at PAHS.
“The vape detectors that were recently installed are used by many schools, including STC.” Principal Tiffany Hummel said.
“They detect all types of smoke and vapor and send a text message to our phones. They also sense if someone is trying to tamper with them or if there are loud noises in the bathroom.”
Most of the referrals are for vaping violations. Student referrals for vaping have increased this school year. These referrals then go to the District Magistrate in which students in possession will receive a citation to the Magistrate’s Office and face punishments at school.
Mr. Raymond Yost said, “Students are becoming addicted to vaping and if they are caught, they are enrolled in the Project Connect Program, which educates students on the hazards of vaping. We can overcome this vaping issue here at PAHS by continuing to hold students accountable for vaping in school. Also, we can tackle this issue by continuing to provide students with information on the dangers of vaping should help reduce the number of students vaping.”
“The biggest thing involved in this vaping issue is the bathroom,” said Mrs. Nicole Stiles. “I have ‘bathroom duty’ 5th and 6th period and basically we have to stand inside the bathrooms. We are trying to get the detectors stretched out into different locations of the school including the hallways. It is so difficult because the school has these presentations and it gets ignored by students; They need to listen to the presentations. I’ve never smoked butI know people who have vaped. They say it’s harder to quit and people need to realize that it’s not easy to just stop.”