Eagle Pass ISD is committed to a safe and healthy learning environment and is addressing the rise in youth vaping. In response to a new state law effective September 1, 2023, the district is taking proactive steps to educate students on its impact.
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New Texas Law Enforces Stricter Penalties
The Texas House Bill 114, which went into effect on September 1, 2023, cracks down on vaping in public schools. enforces stricter consequences for student vaping. The law requires mandatory disciplinary action for students found vaping on school grounds or at off-campus school activities. Under this law, students caught with vaping-related items will violate the Student Code of Conduct and face mandatory placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Impact on Students
Parents should be aware that under the new law, students caught with any e-cigarette or vaping-related item, even if empty, face mandatory placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP). While in DAEP, students cannot participate in school activities, may be removed from clubs, and lose eligibility for final exam exemptions.
Parent / Guardian's Next Step
Parents should educate their students about the new vaping law by having open discussions, ensuring they check their belongings, avoiding holding items for others, and understanding the health risks of vaping.
Tips to Help Teens Avoid Nicotine and other Harmful Substances
Talk about the risks
Explain that e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco products are dangerous and addictive
Discuss the short-term and long-term risks of vaping and smoking
Prepare teens for peer pressure
Teach coping skills
Help teens identify what causes stress or anxiety
Encourage teens to practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or listening to music
Teach teens how to manage stress by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Stress, anxiety, and even boredom may create the urge to vape. Teens can learn their vaping triggers, and be ready to fight the craving.
Build a support system
Encourage teens to reach out to family and friends
If needed, help teens find an online or in-person support group
If teens are worried about addiction, help them learn the signs and find help
Set a good example
If you smoke or vape, quit or don't smoke around your children
Establish a smoke-free home
Additional Resources
Reliable information is key to addressing vaping. Here are resources to help guide your conversation.
Smokefree Teen has information, tips, and resources to avoid nicotine and tobacco
The American Lung Association has free educational resources, including a vaping facts and a conversation guide
"Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) DrugFacts" - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
"Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarette" - Centers for Disease Control
“Did You Know? Vaping Nicotine and Marijuana can cause...” – Texas State University
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