Alabama Schools review policies on e-cigs and vapes

According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the use of e-cigs in schools has increased tremendously since 2018.  Many popular e-cigs are readily available and are attractive to students. With the increase in the portable types, vapes can easily be concealed in a pocket or a student’s backpack. Vaporizers are accessible in a wide range of fruity and other flavors that appeal to students. E-liquids are presented with nicotine levels which can be varied according to preference.

In Madison County in Alabama, schools are revisiting their policies to try to control this alarming vaping tendency. Recent restrictions in Alabama reveal that it is against the law to sell electronic nicotine delivery systems to persons under the age of 19. It also prohibits persons under 19 to use, purchase or be in possession of nicotine products. Students would be in violation even if they are in possession of a vaporizer without the concentrate.  

Student Services Supervisor, Keith Trawick believes that students are finding more ways of getting these e-cigars and other paraphernalia on the compound without being noticed.  The items can be disguised as they are available in different shapes, like cigarettes, pens and USB drives. Trawick also stated that students found with these items or use them can face grave consequences. 

Schools have been changing policies to effectively deal with the alarming increase in the use of tobacco products.  Resource personnel is being sought to hold discussions about the hazards of tobacco. They are also setting new penalties with the aim of ensuring compliance. There are consequences for students who violate the policies.

First-time offenders can face up to three days of out-of-school suspension. This is normally a temporary position in which students are not allowed on the compound during the stipulated period. If the problem is not rectified and the student becomes a repeat offender, a Class 3 violation can be put in effect. In such cases, the students may have to attend an alternative school.