AHS families urged to discuss vaping

Dr. Matthew Janger, principal at Arlington High School, on Nov. 19 issued the following warning about vaping. The statements includes comments from other principals about the issue:

With the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes and vaporizers, I am writing to share information and enlist your help combating a dangerous trend among high school students. We have seen an increase in students using and possessing e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as “vapes.” High schools across the country are seeing similar trends. Please discuss e-cigarettes with your son or daughter.

Honest and straightforward discussions with your children can have a very significant impact on their choices. See this information from the U.S. surgeon general >>

Using these devices is unhealthy, illegal and against school rules. Vaping in school is disruptive of school safety and discipline. Students found using or possessing e-cigarettes of any kind face immediate consequences that may include expulsion, suspension, and athletics consequences.

This includes all paraphernalia associated with vaping. Vapes are considered drug paraphernalia regardless of what they contain, which means that they count as MIAA substance violations. Student found in possession of marijuana or THC face consequences,  which may include expulsion from school.

Vapes are marketed as a “healthier” alternative to smoking, particularly for those trying to quit. There has not been time to research long-term effects. However, experts agree that vapes continue to share the dangers of nicotine and marijuana abuse. While students have generally come to understand the dangers of smoking, they may not recognize the continued dangers of vaping.

They are also heavily marketed to adolescents as cool, convenient and easy to use without detection. Vapes come in a wide range of sizes and styles, all of which can be easily carried in a pocket or bag. Some versions are designed to look like other common items, such as inhalers, pens, flash drives and small gaming devices. Juul is the currently the most popular brand among adolescents.

The liquid being vaporized and inhaled is usually referred to as “juice” and comes in a variety of flavors and substances. Some are simply flavored liquid. Most have nicotine and other addictive substances in them. The juice is easily and often infused with THC, the key chemical in marijuana.

The user may not even know the contents of the liquid being vaporized and inhaled. Since the user inhales vapor instead of smoke, there can be little to no odor and only a slight mist emitted. It can be very difficult to detect when someone is vaping.

Thank you for your partnership and support. Arlington High School is a safe place where the vast majority of our students make the right choices about drugs and alcohol every day. Vapes pose an new and increasingly pervasive threat, to student health and safety. Thank you for your help discussing this important issue with your son or daughter. 

This new announcement with opinion was published Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.