Vaping in Schools

December 10, 2019

The Indiana State Department of Health found in 2018 that e-cigarette use among high school students had risen by 387% over a six year period. Now, almost one-in-five Indiana high school students vape, and it’s even becoming a problem in middle schools.

How should schools handle the growing popularity of e-cigarettes? Some say it’s illegal, and should be punished accordingly. Others warn that harsh discipline won’t help students long-term.

We talk to Side Effects Public Media’s Carter Barrett about her reporting on the issue, as well as legislative efforts to curb teen vaping. We also hear from a pediatrician about the health risks of nicotine use among teens. And we ask school officials how they’re dealing with a problem that’s so hard to detect.

Produced by Maggie Gelon.

Guests:

Carter Barrett
Reporter, Side Effects Public Media

Dr. Sarah Bosslet
Former president, Indiana’s Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Deb Robarge
Executive Director, Indiana Association of School Nurses

Aaron Huff
Principal, Benjamin Bosse High School