Vaping & Its Impact On Student Mental Health
In 2022 alone, more than 2.5 million youth reported using e-cigarettes/vapes according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC further points out that when those in their mid-20s and younger vape, it can cause harmful effects on their brain development. The issue is compounded when they attempt to stop vaping and go through nicotine withdrawals which include irritability, restlessness, feeling anxious or depressed, trouble sleeping, problems concentrating, and craving nicotine.
In addressing vaping and its adverse effects on mental health among the student population in LaRue County the school system is not alone explains Eric Allen, Director of Students Services at LaRue County Schools, “Student health and safety is our number one priority. It was a massive focus during the pandemic in relation to the virus and continues to be now - vaping is one of the central problems we are solving right now. We are thankful to not be alone in this mission, multiple groups from local law enforcement to volunteer organizations are putting their minds together to find ways to show our students this is not something they need to be engaging in.”
Recently, Marsha Duncan Emotional Support Specialist at LaRue County Schools organized a forum on vaping and its effects on the mental health of students. As she points out, the solutions are found when everyone works together, “Anytime we, as a community, engage in conversations that are solution-focused then our students feel supported and valued. Meaningful dialogue is always the catalyst for change. When the community is educated on the things that are impacting our students' mental health (such as vaping) then our young people know there are trusted adults they can go to and discuss the issues that they are facing and feel like those adults will be able to offer them resources and support.”
LaRue County Schools is not alone in this, schools across the country have been navigating this challenge and have recently begun to bring more public awareness to the issue. The superintendents from Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, and our very own LaRue County Schools co-wrote a letter released on March 17th addressing local businesses asking those who sell vaping products to place them behind the counter and to take all measures to prevent the sale of these products to individuals 18 years of age or under. They went on to explain how local law enforcement in both counties are regularly educating students on the hazards of vaping and the consequences of criminal activity with vaping materials.
While the problem of vaping among the student population is significant, there is good news in the arena of student mental health says Duncan, “One of the most positive signs I see in student mental health post-pandemic is awareness. Students are very aware of each other’s mental wellness. They are promoting mental wellness and are realizing that we all need to acknowledge that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Students engage in programs such as Sources of Strength to build on personal strengths to stay mentally well.”
