Dear editor,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the increasing access and availability of vaping devices among teenagers. As a teacher, I have observed a troubling trend in our school environment, where more students are engaging in vaping. Vapes are very appealing to middle in high school students, often due to the appeal of flavored products, design of the vapes, and the misconception that they are harmless. Many students are not aware that vapes contain nicotine and can be very addicting. This matter requires immediate attention from our community to safeguard the health and well-being of our youth.
The convenience and accessibility of these products, often available at local convenience stores or online, make it difficult to reduce the use of vapes among teens. I believe that as educators, parents, and community members, we must unite to advocate for stricter regulation surrounding the sale and marketing of vaping devices to minors. Tobacco/Vape companies target or young people, by advertising their products towards them, and by designing products that teens think are cool. For example, there is a new design out that has different video games within the vape that teens can play.
Finally, educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with vaping should be prioritized in our curriculum, to help our students make informed decisions regarding their health. As a health teacher, I try to utilize the resources around me to help in the education of the risks involved in teen vaping. One resource is our local health department and the tobacco cessation program there. They have a speaker, Mr. Whitaker, who volunteers to come to our school and talk to my health classes about the dangers and health risks of using tobacco and vaping devices. Our young people are the future, and it is vital important that we educate them about the risks of vaping, but also make sure that as a community, we are doing everything we can to stop the sale of vaping products to minors.
Thank you for your attention to the significant matter.
Anthony Miller, Health teacher Fredericktown High School
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