E-cigs, vape pens, Juuls, call them whatever you want. They all basically do the same thing. Vaping is when these devices are used to, discreetly, and without a smell, inhale some substance. People often use them in places where cigarettes are not allowed because they don’t smell. However, it’s not just regular cigarette smokers that are using these. People of every age and demographic are buying e-cigs and taking up vaping.
E-cigs are fairly inexpensive, easy for kids to hide from parents and school staff, and easy to get.
You put drops of various oils/substances in them and voila! You have a cheap, easy, inconspicuous drug. Schools confiscate these things daily, in high schools especially, but even in middle and elementary schools. Moreover, administrators spend a large portion of their time dealing with e-cigs.
Why should I be worried about vaping?
Aside from the addictive properties, e-cigs can cause other types of damage: brain, lungs, growth and development, etc. Browse social media and you will find plenty of stories about pulmonary problems in teenagers because of e-cigs. And of course, if your child overdoses the health issues are multiplied exponentially.
In addition, because e-cigs have not been around very long, there are not a whole lot of longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of them. Aside from the health dangers, these devices are prohibited in school, as are nicotine and THC. Consequently, students found with e-cigs receive suspension or even drug charges filed against them, depending on what is found in the device.
What is happening in schools?
At the high school level, kids are abusing these things in every way imaginable. Kids are selling vape pens. Kids are sharing vape pens. Kids are selling hits off these vape pens. Kids are selling drops of the oils to other kids. Kids are attempting to get Nic Sick, essentially overdosing on nicotine as a way to get high. Kids are using drops with THC oil, the active ingredient in marijuana, to get high. Kids are turning a gray/green color from a THC overdose.
While some kids are trying to use the bathroom quickly and get to second period on time, other kids are overdosing on nicotine and THC in there. Emergency Medical Services are called to high schools all over this country weekly to treat vaping kids. A recent surgeon general report says e-cig use among high school students was up 78% from 2017 to 2018. But it’s not just high school. Administrators and school police find these things in middle school and unfortunately, even elementary.
As a parent, what should I be looking for?
Many of these devices look like and are about the same size as a flash drives. The portion that you plug in to charge is even smaller. E-cigs are a very serious threat to your children. Talk to your kids about what they are seeing at school. And be on the lookout for these dangerous devices.
