“Be informed, know that you’re loved, and make smart decisions” says Mr. Paul.
Vaping is an epidemic that has intruded the youth of the United States, similarly to cigarettes in the 50s and 60s. Recently, over 1000 cases of lung diseases with probable cause of vaping and in total, 7 people have died from diseases related to vaping. In response to this epidemic, vape detectors are the latest technology that Oliver Ames is using to curb and prevent on-campus vaping. I sat down with Mr. Paul to speak about the implementation of these new detectors.
According to Mr. Paul, the detectors are a tool to assist the deterrence of vaping on school grounds in order to remove the “safe haven” that was the bathroom. These devices are going to be used to “get a better profile of vaping in OA, so staff can respond as quickly as possible”.
His hopes to reduce the vape rates in Oliver Ames are prevailing, as the school has seen a downward trend in vaping at school. According to Mr. Paul, two years ago was the peak of on-campus vaping, and in response, the school implemented an “open-door policy” for the bathrooms, and saw a decline in vaping. The detectors come with the hope that students will see them as a deterrence so that they can make more informed decisions concerning the detrimental effects of vaping on their health. Mr. Paul says that these are necessary steps for OA as he “would be remiss” if he didn’t act.
OA has implemented many other strategies in order to curb teenage vaping. Beginning with the school’s new form of disciplinary action against offending students. They are now given the option between traditional discipline or the education program the school offers. This program includes; a video, a quiz, a meeting with the nurse and health teacher, and a written reflection. On top of either the discipline or educational program, a Chemical Health Violation will affect the student in regard to school events and sports. Furthermore, the school partners with Easton Wings of Hope to enforce positive community norms. Mr. Paul says that the vast majority of students make good decisions, and the school’s goal is to support and help the whole community regardless of action. The school also hired a new health teacher, Mr. Tienhaara, to educate freshmen and sophomores about how the damaging effects of vaping now, will lead to worsening health in the future
Last thoughts from Mr. Paul:
“The adults care and are not trying to get you in trouble or not have fun, but to make smart decisions. We are here to support, not judge.”