The Vape Detector: The New Hall Monitor

No longer are school officials sitting idly by and waiting for government officials and regulatory bodies in the fight against vaping. At least this is the case in Chandler, Arizona.

While most people were preoccupied with their New Year resolutions, school officials at Kyrene Aprende Middle School were devising new tactics to combat the vaping epidemic at their school. By strategically installing vape detectors in and around their school, Kyrene Aprende became the first school in the state to make such a bold move against underaged vaping.

The CDC has already established the dangerous effects of vaping and nicotine addiction on the developing adolescent brain, and yet teens seem not to be deterred. According to the FDA, vaporizer use among middle school kids has increased by 48 percent since 2018.

In spite of attractive features such as its size, design, and delectable flavor variety, officials continue to work arduously to transmit the message that as harmless as the trend may seem, vaping should not be practiced. This mandate, however, has proven to be quite the challenge.

The hope is thatthe tiny device (approximately two inches in thickness) will be enough to dissuade students from vaping.

How does the device work?

Once even the slightest hint of vapor is detected, school administrators are alerted via text message and email, with a timestamp and location included.

If caught in possession of a vaping device:

• The student will receive a hefty penalty of a five to ten-day suspension,
• His or her parent will be contacted, and
• The school resource officer will visit the school.

School officials believe that with a two-prong approach, this epidemic could be nipped in the bud. It will consist of vaping detection and ongoing education on the dangers associated with vaping.

The snazzy vape detector does more than just detect vaping. The device also picks up on noises, so administrators would be notified of incidents of fighting and bullying. It seems like technology has once again trumped manpower. And this new device has just rendered the job of hall monitor obsolete.

The Kyrene Aprende Middle School is just the beginning for the State of Arizona.