In San Antonio Vape pens and e-cigarettes are all too ubiquitous on college campuses. As per district officers, the problem is escalating.
The Northside ISD Police Chief has worked for the agency for thirty years after first enrolling as a student there.
His team watches thousands of campus cameras from dispatch. However, it is now difficult to address the growing concern about e-cigarettes in the largest school district in San Antonio.
According to Chief, vaping has increased over the last few years.
He claimed that e-cigarettes are being used by middle and high school pupils. You can find them on primary school campuses as well.
Chief stated, “We have parents that visit us and bring us a vape pen, but they have no idea what it is.”
Despite the fact that marijuana has always been around, Carnes claims that vapes can mask the smell. In school restrooms, the department intends to test vaping sensors.
We used to average roughly 40 instances per month, including THC and nicotine, two years ago, the Chief stated. Currently, we see close to 300 instances every month.
House Bill 114, which could send pupils to an alternative school for having e-cigarettes, was passed by lawmakers during the most recent session.
Chief stated that both our parents and pupils need to be made aware of how severe the situation is. Not only does it cause physical difficulties, but it also offers legal complications.
It is illegal to possess a THC vape pen in Texas.
The National Association of School Nurses’ state director for Washington stated, “I believe they are more harmful than your average cigarettes.”
Compared to regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes have a far higher nicotine content.
Brain development is being impacted by these e-cigarettes.It is having an impact on the lungs. Simply said, I don’t believe that all of the long-term repercussions have yet to manifest.
With the start of the school year, it’s critical that parents have the difficult talks with their children. Removing their ability to acquire vape supplies at home is another.
It’s incredibly simple to grab one of these vape pens and use it yourself outside or to smuggle one into school.
According to a recent report by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, sales of e-cigarettes rose by 47% in the US between 2020 and 2022. Health advocates want the FDA to remove flavoured e-cigarettes from the market in order to help curb this catastrophe.
Chief remarked, “Students are pressured by their peers to vape.” Their loved ones and families must encourage them to abstain from vaping.
For possessing something on school property, a minor may face expulsion under House Bill 114. The law will take effect on September 1.