Nov. 13, 2019 – AAS — The reported number of students vaping in the Round Rock school district skyrocketed last school year, spurring a student-led group and the superintendent to take action on curtailing the habit among students.
The Round Rock district is not alone in seeing increases in student vaping. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of sophomore and senior high school students in the U.S. who have vaped nicotine in the past month nearly doubled from 2017 to 2019.
Middle and high school students in the district caught vaping increased to 252 incidents in the 2018-19 school year compared to 16 incidents the previous school year, according to district data. While district staff said the dramatic increase in those incidents is due to educators becoming more aware of the signs related to vaping, the Student Advisory Board and Superintendent Steve Flores have discussed ways in stopping what could be a growing unhealthy trend among students.
This weekend, Flores is participating in a National Superintendent Forum in Philadelphia focused on eliminating vaping in schools. The forum coincides with the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, an annual event that brings together experts on cardiovascular science and medicine.
Flores, who will be among 11 superintendents at the forum, said he is honored to be part of a group tasked to “help chart a definitive course of action to eliminate vaping in America’s school.”
“Vaping has become a national epidemic and it’s particularly concerning as we learn more about the dangers and effects of e-cigarettes,” he said in an email. “From a school perspective, one massive challenge is that these devices are so easy to hide and disguise and so difficult to detect.”
Student Advisory Board President Brandon Qin said educators are becoming more aware of how students disguise vaping devices and other tell-tale signs. The board, which is made up of middle and high school students, provides a student’s perspective on social issues to the superintendent.
Flores said while members of the advisory board have been concerned with the issue for the past three years, they feel that student vaping has reached a crisis point.
Qin said Flores has talked with the advisory board to explore ways in decreasing student vaping. In return, he said the board has shared their perspective on the issue and made him aware of some of the ways students try to hide it. “Since Dr. Flores has been chosen (for the forum), the issue has really gotten a lot of attention,” Qin said. “I think it really gives us a chance to use his voice on this issue.”
Though both Flores and the advisory board were concerned before major news outlets began reporting on the dangers of vaping, those national headlines have increased their urgency. One recent report noted that at least 40 people in the U.S. who vape have died since March.
“I am encouraged to see some reaction from the manufacturers as the federal government tightens regulations,” Flores said. “But we still have a lot of catching up to do. As a country, we were asleep on this issue, but no more.” Qin said the district has done a good job of educating teachers and staff about the signs of vaping. He said there is a noticeable decrease in the number of students openly vaping now that educators are more aware of it.
Qin added that Flores has a lot of passion and knowledge to bring to the forum, and he is looking forward to hearing what he will pick up from the other educators and professionals.
“The news (about vaping related deaths) came at a time when it was a peak of students Juuling,” Qin said, referring to a popular vaping product. “We need to take action to safeguard the health and future of students.” He also said hearing about the dangers of vaping in the news has helped cut down on student vaping, though he feels like an awareness campaign in the district will be helpful. “I feel really confident, especially with Dr. Flores being selected, that we can make a difference,” Qin said. “We hope to aid the administration because they are doing a good job.”
