Vaping is recognized as a health hazard overwhelmingly by the medical community but despite that it is being embraced in growing numbers. One of the fastest growing groups of users is teens, who may be under the false impression that it is harmless. The problem came to light at Sandy Run Middle School just this week and students say it is prevalent at the high school as well. The principal at SR had to address this issue and confiscate paraphernalia from several students. The issue is getting so out of hand that Hatboro Horsham recently sent this note to their parents:
Dear HHHS Families,
Schools occasionally are the first to learn of new trends that many of our children are experimenting and
using with more frequency. Schools throughout the region are dealing with the increasing trend of ‘vaping’ and ‘Juuling’. We have seen an uptick in use here at Hatboro-Horsham High School. The FDA believes that by
2023, vaping will replace traditional cigarettes. Both are extremely hazardous to your health and carry school and legal consequences. Since our priority is your children, we are reaching out to make you aware.
Electronic cigarettes heat a liquid substance that is inhaled by the user. The type of liquid can vary from flavored water-type mixtures to nicotine to marijuana. These battery-powered devices heat the liquid
that contains nicotine and/or other flavors, which in turn is inhaled as the vapor. As a result, you can imagine the difficulty in trying to identify students participating in this act because there is no smoke, just vapor.
In addition to e-cigarettes and vaping, one of the newer trends is ‘Juuling.’ Juuling is a discreet form of vaping. Juul is a name-brand vaping device that is sleek, small, easily concealable and most often mistaken for a computer thumb drive. Sometimes, the device is no larger than a couple of inches long and .5 inches wide is. The devices are so inconspicuous and innocent looking that the high school administration has had to share valuable information with the staff. I have also attached a quick read and an example of the JUUL
device, which provides a visual representation for you to look out for at home or in your child’s backpack. Unfortunately, ‘vaping’ and ‘juuling’ have become a hot trend among students. JUUL.pdf
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This is not something that the high school administrative team takes lightly. We are disappointed that some of our students have taken this direction and more concerned that they feel the need to engage in this behavior during school. As a result, we have stepped up the disciplinary sanctions for such behavior and increased communication and interaction with the Horsham Police. Please consider having a conversation
with your child(ren) about the dangers of this trend. If you think you student has a nicotine addiction, or if you are concerned about substance abuse, please contact his/her guidance counselor or the SAP Office at 215.420.5626. For more material, check out the online site, WebMD, which also has wonderful information.
Sincerely,
The HHHS Administrative Team
Soon a third "vape" shop will be opening in Upper Dublin and many of the residents I know are concerned that this will only make the situation worse. Even though there is an age limit on who these stores can sell to, obviously the products are getting out. The problem is a big one that needs to be addressed. Hopefully Upper Dublin schools will do their part and parents will become more educated about this very real hazard.
