Vaping makes dangerous inroads with students

The Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act was passed in 1970. One of the driving forces behind this act was reducing the impact of advertising on youth by diminishing the visibility of things like cigarettes. This act along with many other campaigns, is credited with reducing use of tobacco products in teenagers across the United States. 

While progress made in cutting tobacco use has been notable, a formidable foe is making inroads with kids in the Mission Valley. Vaping, which simulates smoking, has been around for at least two decades. But public school officials says it's getting more prevalent.

According to public health resources, battery-powered vape devices create an aerosol that resembles smoke or water vapor but contains nicotine, flavoring, and often more than 30 other chemicals. The aerosol is inhaled into the lungs where the nicotine and chemicals cross over into the bloodstream.

“It's a huge problem,” said St. Ignatius principal Shawn Hendrickson, citing the health risks and addiction that can come as a result of vaping. 

For Ronan principal Kevin Kenelty, vaping is an “ever morphing issue.” 

“I feel like the vaping is getting worse,” he adds.

Complicating matters is the ease with which students can acquire and conceal vaping paraphernalia, which often looks like a USB flash drive or a small pod. “I think if you wanted to find one it would be extremely easy to buy one,” said Kenalty.

A recent study estimated that more than 50% of students in high school nationwide have tried vaping at least once in their lives. Anyone under the age of 18 possessing a vape in Montana can be subject to a fine, which goes up upon each repeated offense.

For Hendrickson and Kenelty, a major component of combating the issue comes down to education for students and staff, whether it's through health class or specialty assemblies with guest speakers.

In addition, schools have begun to install vape sensors in places like bathrooms to hopefully catch any vaping activity on campuses. 

Despite all these guard rails, why are kids still vaping? “Peer pressure, availability, cheap to purchase," suggests Hendrickson. "They're being targeted by these companies, trying to look cool, and  not knowing the side effects health-wise.” 

“Kids are seeing it as a healthier alternative to smoking,” speculated Kenelty.

While some consider vaping as safer than smoking, the short- and long-term health risks can be severe. In excessive cases, vaping can even be life threatening. Most vapes include the highly addictive substance nicotine. 

When discussing how a small community and parents can help kids stay away from vaping, the conversations with both administrators circled back to education.

“I think it comes down to learning about the vapes” and how to identify them on campus, said Kenelty.

Hendrickson's message was more blunt. “If parents or guardians are allowing minors to use them, they should stop immediately.”

For some, quitting can be an uphill battle. However, the principals seem ready to help anyone who needs it, and listed a multitude of resources from school counselors to partnerships with Tribal Health.

If you are someone you know is struggling with a vaping addiction visit quitnowmontana.com.