Vaping Becoming Issue In Elementary Schools

Several Upper Cumberland School Systems reporting an increase in the use vape pens at school.

Cumberland County Prevention Coalition Project Coordinator Candice Beck said vaping now has trickled down to elementary schools. Beck said the issue is popping up more and more as vapes are fairly easy to obtain. Beck said many parents do not know the risk of vaping.

“I think it’s definitely a little bit of both,” Beck said. “I think the perception of risk or vaping is definitely lower than tobacco itself like cigarettes were. The perception of risk is definitely lower people think that they are much safer.”

Beck said it is important to stop students from vaping as vaping at an early age can affect brain development, cognitive development, and cause respiratory infections. Beck said in most cases parents are often aware.

“It causes issues with brain development and cognitive development,” Beck said. “It is really bad for the lungs, it can cause popcorn lungs, and it can cause different respiratory infections as well.”

Beck said in most cases parents are aware of their child vaping.

“Most of the time the parents are the ones that are buying them for them,” Beck said. “Sometimes it’s not the case. Sometimes it’s just they are getting them at school and parents are not really aware of the smell. Obviously, with tobacco, you can smell cigarettes on somebody. With vaping it is not that common to be able to smell it or to be able to see the signs.”

Beck said parents can prevent their children from using vapes by talking to their children about the dangers they propose. Beck said the earlier those conversations happen the better. Beck also said she would like gas stations to crack down by I.D. Checking as they should be.

Beck said Vapes are becoming more harmful as addictive chemicals are bing added to them. Beck said she believes the issue has gotten worse over the years.

“It’s not just tobacco anymore right,” Beck said. “The vapes are now THC level and delta eight. I think with those being easily available now I think it has definitely gotten worse.”