Say no to vaping

Dear Editor,

Given the many legal and illegal substances available in the society, it is no wonder young people have turned a full eye to their use and abuse.

Research has shown that a large percentage of young people, especially those within the age group of 12 to 24 years, have been exploring many different substances, including edibles and vaping. Edibles are those snacks that are laced with some type of substance, such a ganja. The products are made in a child-friendly way and are similar to those without. The difference is these are laced with harmful substances.

Vape is a flavoured substance that is inhaled, and young people have plunged themselves into this monstrous practice believing that vaping is safe because it is marketed as an alternative to smoking cigarettes.

Although many in leadership avoid discussions on the issue, vaping among students is a sore problem in many schools across the island. Recently Bishop Gibson High School for Girls in Mandeville launched a Say No to Drugs campaign. The activity saw students silently protesting as they stood at the front of the Bishop Gibson Auditorium, before their general assembly and at break and lunch. They were seen with their posters bearing strong messages against the gruesome practice of vaping. The students of the Bridge Builders and Gender Ambassador groups are vigilant in trying to ensure zero tolerance of this kind of practice and do not want it in their school.

Acting Principal Karlene Atkinson and Acting Vice-principal Kerry CartMiller were pleased to see the girls confidently speaking out against this negative practice and hope that they will not resort to such, as the effects of drugs will cripple their academic performance and ultimately their futures.

The campaign was also supported by the parent teachers association president, a past student, who endorsed the message of how damaging this practice is to the brain and respiratory system since the substance is induced via inhalation.

The activity was spearheaded by the Guidance Department and had the full support of all staff.