Vape detectors are the new eyes and ears!

The concerning trend of vaping among middle and high school kids continues to grow at what may be considered an alarming rate. Meanwhile, school officials are scrambling for solid footing to gain ground in the fight against the underaged vaping epidemic at a more localized level.

The competition is stiff in the vaping industry. Companies are sparing no expense in altering their devices to make them more attractive and discreet. While they claim that their devices weren’t created for use by minors, it seems that not enough is being done to combat the issue.

Weary by the situation at hand, Board officials within school districts see the need for a more direct and localized approach in counteracting this epidemic. Thanks toProposition 56, approved by California voters in 2016, school officials have funds to help in the fight. And thankfully, they have the support of parents.

At the Cloverdale High School and the Washington School, some changes are happening. The newest strategy is the installation of vape detectors in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other inconspicuous areas. The hope is to penetrate the areas where students may frequent to vape.

How do the vape detectors work?

Manufactured by Soter Technologies, the devices are able to detect chemicals released into the air from vaping devices. The detectors can also detect sounds associated with vaping like the click of a device or someone exhaling. The detector is also able to identify the sound of fighting or bullying. With its multifaceted function, the detector is the new extended eyes and ears of school administrators.

Additional steps in the fight

School officials have also opted to hire full-time police officers, under the title of ‘school resource officer’, for tobacco and drug enforcement routines and drug education. They are doing all they can to stem the issue of vaping among minors which some believe to be spiraling out of control. But the vape detector, continued education on the potential dangers of vaping, and the presence of school resource officers, may provide a glimmer of hope.