AN AMERICAN high school has closed four of its 11 student bathrooms due to vaping problems and damage to property.
But sneaky students have continued to puff on e-cigarettes – despite the ban.
Students and parents are being warned about the dangers of vapingCredit: Getty
Chad Kirk, the principal of Melbourne High School in Florida, said students puffing on e-cigarettes are causing chaos.
Teachers have been reporting behavioral issues and property damage caused by those flouting strict rules, reported Florida Today .
Problems persist despite the public secondary school, which is operated by Brevard Public Schools, closing four of 11 student restrooms, it said today.
No other local schools have reported bathroom closures over vaping issues.
Student vaping has caused “environmental concerns” and “damage to restroom fixtures,” Kirk said in an email on February 13.
“Damage to restroom fixtures have disrupted access to restroom facilities for our students,” he added.
“In response, we are implementing targeted restroom closures to reduce opportunities for misconduct.”
Kirk sent a further email to school parents on March 1 to confirm the closure of four bathrooms.
Students now have access to just one open student restroom in every building, but one building has none available.
Teachers and staff are monitoring restroom usage, including during passing times he added.
Is vaping bad for you?
VAPES were once hailed as miracle devices to help adults ditch cigarettes.
Here are five ways vaping could damage young users’ bodies:
1. It could slow down brain development
Vaping nicotine can permanently affect brain development in people under the age of 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It said that nicotine consumed during teenage years can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, as well as increase the risk of addiction.
2. It could lead to tooth decay
Dr Michael Heffernan, a dentist at The Wessex Dental Specialist Care, said most vapes contain dangerous chemicals that can harm your teeth and lead to decay.
Puffing on the devices could also lead to mouth dryness, creating an environment in which harmful bacteria can grow.
3. It could damage heart health
However, some of the chemicals found in vapes can be damaging to the heart, with the American Heart Association (AHA) stating that vaping is “as harmful to the body’s cardiovascular systems as cigarettes”.
4. It could cause lung disease
Vaping from a young age could leave children with breathing difficulties, with paediatric respiratory consultant Dr Mike McKean saying he’d seen reports of people developing lung disease related to vaping.
Researchers from the US also found that young people who vape are more at risk of bronchitis, inflammation of the airways, and shortness of breath.
Read more on how vaping can affect your health here.
Also, hand-held metal detector wands will help administrators check pupils for drugs or weapons “to keep our campus safe.”
“These devices allow administrators to determine whether a student may be concealing contraband in their clothing without making physical contact with them, offering a respectful and minimally intrusive method of ensuring safety,” he said.
The issue of problem vaping cropped up at a Brevard school board work session on February 24.
One board member suggested principals could take a sledgehammer and smashes vapes – on a “Smash the Vape” TV show.
“If you guys keep bringing them… we’re going to smash them again and again… every week,” suggested board vice chair Megan Wright.
In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
An estimated 1.63 million (5.9%) students currently vape.
Schools are trying to stop students from vapingCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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