Vaping sparks tobacco spike in Florida schools

Introduction to the Problem

For most of the last decade, Florida schools have struggled to head off a growing challenge: more and more students are vaping. By 2019, the state identified e-cigarettes among the most used substances among middle and high schoolers, with Hillsborough leaders estimating 1 in 4 students had vaped. But a mere four years later, vaping grew way more prevalent. According to a Tampa Bay Times analysis of state and district data from the most recent school year available, 2023-24, tobacco-related incidents in Florida schools surged in recent years, and most now involve vaping.

The Rise of Vaping in Schools

Schools across the state recorded about 24,000 tobacco incidents nearly two years ago. While lower than the previous two years, that total was about 30% more than the year before COVID hit. Vaping — by far — was the primary culprit during that span. Of every 10 tobacco incidents in Pinellas and Pasco counties, at least nine involved vaping. While Hillsborough County Public Schools reported a much lower vaping rate, a spokesperson said tobacco cases may have been undercounted because of record keeping changes in the district.

The Challenges of Addressing Vaping

Vaping’s popularity among students comes as other infractions, such as fighting and bullying, remained steady. Its rise defied new laws and millions in court settlement money targeting its use in schools. And it’s become so widespread, said Pasco Superintendent John Legg, that vaping has become a “big problem — believe it or not — in our elementary schools.” Legg and others urge tougher penalties for violations, including referral to a drug awareness course after the first offense. In Pasco, new schools will be equipped with vape detectors in restrooms — an initiative that has seen mixed results elsewhere, such as in Pinellas.

Efforts to Combat Vaping

Florida legislators have tried to crack down. A law that took effect in October began to phase out sales of single-use nicotine vapes marketed to children. Around the same time, electronic cigarette manufacturers accused of marketing to children reached several national and statewide settlements with districts, paying hundreds of millions of dollars. Among those settling were the makers of Juul electronic cigarettes. They reached a $235 million settlement with more than 1,500 school systems nationwide in 2023, including 26 in Florida. This spring, the state reached a separate $79 million settlement in which the company is prohibited from targeting Florida youth and must comply with advertising restrictions.

The Use of Vape Detectors

Districts are spending the settlement money in different ways. Last year, Pinellas County decided to give vape detectors a test run on four campuses — Palm Harbor University, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Seminole high schools. This year, officials chose not to use them in more schools. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Dull said the detectors didn’t provide enough useful information fast enough. At first, alerts went to administrators’ email accounts, but they arrived up to 45 minutes late. The timing improved after the messages were shifted to texts, but staff still had to check security footage and conduct investigations to determine who had violated the code of conduct, which was amended five years ago to include vaping.

Student-Led Initiatives

Beyond telling kids what to do, though, the district aims to have students lead the charge. Administrators last week discussed having middle and high school student leaders launch anti-vaping campaigns for their own schools. At a session planned for Sept. 9, participants in Pasco’s Student Congress hone messages that will become the backbone of their school-based initiatives. Tobacco Free Florida is collaborating on the project, which could become a blueprint for other districts if successful. District spokesperson Jessica Meek, one of the officials involved in the campaign, suggested the students likely would come up with better messaging than the adults. “Kids relate to kids,” she said.

Conclusion

The rise of vaping in Florida schools is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While efforts to combat vaping have been made, including the use of vape detectors and student-led initiatives, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem. Education and intervention models, where students are taught about the impacts of nicotine and addiction, can work for schools, provided they offer support when students and families are ready. It is essential for schools, districts, and lawmakers to continue working together to find effective solutions to this growing challenge.

FAQs

1. What is the current state of vaping in Florida schools?
   Vaping has become a significant problem in Florida schools, with tobacco-related incidents surging in recent years, and most now involve vaping.
2. What efforts have been made to combat vaping in schools?
   Efforts include the use of vape detectors, student-led initiatives, and settlements with electronic cigarette manufacturers.
3. What are the challenges of addressing vaping in schools?
   The challenges include the widespread nature of the problem, the need for effective solutions, and the importance of educating students about the impacts of nicotine and addiction.
4. What role can students play in addressing the vaping problem?
   Students can play a crucial role in leading anti-vaping campaigns and coming up with effective messaging to prevent vaping among their peers.
5. What is the importance of education and intervention models in addressing vaping?
   Education and intervention models can work for schools, provided they offer support when students and families are ready, and can help to prevent vaping among students.