Parents: Vaping plagues Barrington High bathrooms

Parents learn the dangers of vaping, and the punishments

BY JOAN D. WARREN
Posted 12/15/17

Long gone are the days of smoking in the boy’s room at Barrington High School.

The new trend is vaping in the boy’s room. And the girl's room.

At the December meeting of the …

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Parents: Vaping plagues Barrington High bathrooms

Parents learn the dangers of vaping, and the punishments

Posted

Long gone are the days of smoking in the boy’s room at Barrington High School.

The new trend is vaping in the boy’s room. And the girl's room.

At the December meeting of the Barrington High School Parents Association, a crowd of at least 50 parents listened to a presentation about e-cigarettes and vaping at the school, and many expressed concerns that their children do not feel comfortable using the facilities because of it. 

That makes for a long day at school.

Parents wanted to know about the dangers of vaping; what the administration is doing about it; and what the punishments are for those that break the rules of zero tolerance for smoking of any kind at BHS.

Joanne Royley, the school’s assistance counselor, told the crowd that vaping — the act of inhaling the vapor produced by the heating up of a water, chemical, and nicotine or marijuana-based compound — has become an ongoing problem for the past few years.

“It was only boys in the past but now we are seeing lots of girls vaping — younger girls,” she said.

Members of the BAY Team leadership talked about the dangers of vaping and the easy access teens have to getting their hands on the products.

Kristen Westmoreland, MD and director of the BAY Team, said anyone can buy E-Cigs online by simply clicking the “over 18 years of age” tab.

“The town council recently raised the age to buy tobacco to 21 and banned flavorings for E-cig products for sale in town," she said. "That is a positive move, but any of the products can be easily purchased on the internet.

“It’s a tough problem that we are up against. There are new devices that look like inhalers and flash drives. They make backpacks that have straps that are inhalers, sweatshirts that have inhalers built in, they sell make-your-own kits."

The presenters — also included were Barrington Police Chief John LaCross and Student Resource Officer Josh Mello — passed around some of these items so parents could get an idea of what is out there and what to look for if they suspect their children are vaping.

Chief LaCross said this is the newest craze or fad, whether it be at the high school or by the general public. It is even taking place at the middle school, he said.

“Parents need to know the dangers of vaping and be upfront with their kids.  Let them know that it is illegal and very harmful,” he said.

Most people are unaware of the severity of health risks associated with vaping — some adverse effects proving to be just as dangerous as cigarette smoke. From popcorn lungs to MRSA infections, a group of Harvard researchers found that common flavoring substances found in vape liquid caused permanent, and sometimes fatal scar buildup in the lungs. 

Mrs. Royley said there are many popular flavors, including mango.

“Vaping can be addicting as cocaine and heroin. When kids start young, they get hooked. Nine out of ten smokers begin before they are 18,” Dr. Westmoreland said.

A member of the parent audience asked what the immediate effects or “highs” are of vaping.

“They get a head rush and for some anxious kids, it actually slows their breathing with the deep inhale they take. In other kids it's just plain cool,” Mrs. Royley said.

According to a website search, the e-cigarette and vaping industry has grown into one of the most profitable marketplaces in the world, with some experts anticipating a net worth of $10 billion by 2017.

Consumers are now able to purchase vaping products that range from $8 into the hundreds, and are available for purchase in common convenience stores, smoke shops, and the internet.

Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley answered questions regarding punishment for students found vaping or in possession of vaping accessories and what is being done to curb the behavior.

“Students found vaping receive a one-day suspension for a first offense and perhaps face criminal charges. They go see the student assistance counselor after that discipline. With police notification, they are sent to the town’s Juvenile Hearing Board (JHB),” he said.

The JHB orders punishments such as community service and the offenders come back in front of the board in three months for a follow-up evaluation.

If they are habitual offenders or get in any other trouble in or outside of the school, they are sent to RI Family Court.

Parent Val Williams asked if there were different rules for student athletes.

“They still get the one-day suspension from school and the athlete gets suspended from two league contests (games). A second offense and they are off the team,” Mr. Hurley said.

As far as patrolling the bathrooms, Mr. Hurley said he and the assistant principals as well as Officer Mello do their best to check the facilities throughout the day.

“Whenever we are walking round the building we stop in, especially in between classes," he said. "We are looking into purchasing devices that alert us when vaping takes place."

Officer Mello said the school administration is doing the best they can but the real education of the dangers and the legalities of vaping for a minor needs to begin at home.

“We try and make sure kids aren’t doing it in the bathrooms at school but we need to drive the message home and form a partnership between the administration and parents. If parents are aware of the dangers of vaping and share that with their kids, they may think twice about doing it at all, and especially at school,” he said.

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