Getting serious about the vaping epidemic

This winter, the flu won’t be the greatest illness plaguing schools. Vaping addiction will continue to ravage the state if action isn’t taken. Current practices are showing little effect to slowing vaping rates, so Connecticut schools should install vape detectors in restrooms, an intense but necessary measure.

In 2018, 2,160 Connecticut students were punished for vaping in school. Considering how there are 392,765 high school students in the state and roughly 28% students vape, administrators are missing about 108,000 students. Students feel that they can get away with vaping due to the relatively low chance of being caught.

The installation of vape detectors would significantly increase the chances of being caught, thus prompting students to not take the risk.

A main argument against vape detectors is the cost to purchase and install them. It is upwards of $1,000 per detector, which school boards may be wary to spend. However, by donating money to your local Board of Education and petitioning that grant money be used for this cause, the money can be found.

The vaping epidemic will not cease unless we take action. By funding vape detectors in schools, many students can be saved. Ellen McIntyre Colchester