New Vaping Policy
New Vaping Policy
Embedded Files
Devyn Harper
Devyn Harper
09/26/23
09/26/23
With school back in session, lots of rumors have been going around about a strict new law regarding vaping. Nobody really knows where these rules came from or why they are in place. Most students have only heard that getting caught with a vape will send you to DAEP immediately. If most students aren't aware of these changes to vaping policies, parents are likely unaware as well. No trusted state-wide news source has officially reported on the issue.
The vaping rules that everyone is talking about come from House Bill 114. The bill from the Texas legislature states that a student who “possesses, uses, sells, gives, or delivers to another person an e-cigarette, … shall be removed from class and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program”. The Texas health and safety code defines “e-cigarette” as “an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device; or a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device described by this subdivision.” The Health Code also states that an e-cigarette includes “a component, part, or accessory for the device, regardless of whether the component, part, or accessory is sold separately from the device.” Therefore, if you are found with even the charger for a vape, you could be sent to the district alternative school.
Although some students may find these new rules to be a bit extreme, this new bill being passed can be beneficial as well. Legislators are saying that this bill is meant to increase awareness about major concerns. These major concerns are directed at minors using THC, nicotine, e-cigarettes, and similar devices. The majority of e-cigarettes contain nicotine, meaning that these electronic devices are highly addictive. This new law could stop dangerous addiction within elementary, middle, and highschool students.
Many other schools also agree that the bill will be beneficial. Tomball ISD states on their website, tomballisd.net, “Effective at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, our school district will be fully enforcing this new law” and “We want to emphasize that our primary goal is to ensure the well-being and academic success of all students.'' This is just one of many schools that has stated their opinion over this topic. Additionally, many students at New Tech agree that the bill will be beneficial. Camdyn Harper, a Junior at New Tech, stated, “This new rule should be normalized in schools around Texas. It will limit smoking usage in teenagers and individuals at a young age.” Furthermore, Cailynn Reuber, a Junior at New Tech, stated, “It decreases the chance of medical reactions, especially with individuals who could be allergic or easily harmed by these unknown substances.” Lastly, Alex Miranda, also a Junior, stated, “With the enforcement of the new vaping law, students are scared of the potential of going to district.” and “Students will be less inclined to vape. This will help students focus on their schoolwork and establish healthy habits for their future.” This new law will undoubtedly alter the behavior of young men and women in schools across Texas. If the educational system as a whole can change the thought process of teenagers through punishments like DAEP, their actions regarding vaping and usage of other devices will most likely stop or at least change for the better. As supported by students and faculty in Texas, the health of students is the ultimate emphasis of this bill.
SOURCES
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651627/
Photos By Gavin Balasa
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