How to stop vaping in schools: 10 ways to tackle teen vaping

The consequences of vaping in schools

Teen vaping epidemic is a serious issue in school communities. While many students view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, recent studies suggest this isn’t true. Some effects associated with vaping in schools include:

• Physical health issues: E‑cigarette vapor contains numerous harmful chemicals linked to serious health problems.
• Behavioral problems: Nicotine exposure can impair cognitive function and memory.
• Classroom disruptions: e‑cigarettes may act as a distraction in a classroom, affecting students’ academic performance.

10 actionable ways to stop vaping in schools

Addressing vaping in schools requires a collaborative effort between schools, parents and the wider community. Effective strategies to combat vaping include safety technologies and clear organizational policies to help students make informed choices. Below are ten actionable ways to stop vaping in schools. 

1. Identify high-risk locations and vaping hotspots

Students who vape on school grounds often do so in discreet and hidden areas. The first step to an effective anti-vaping campaign is to identify these areas and implement preventative measures. The 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey found over 64% of teens have seen their peers vaping on school premises in places like:

• Restrooms
• Locker rooms
• Parking lots
• Hallways
• Stairwells

Vaping in school bathroom stalls, locker rooms and other enclosed areas can be particularly concerning due to secondhand exposure to smoke. Studies show non-smokers exposed to secondhand vape aerosols absorb similar levels of nicotine as when exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, so it’s important to prioritize these spaces in your prevention efforts.

2. Have security staff regularly check vaping hotspots

Regular checks of vaping hotspots can discourage students from vaping on school grounds. Students will be less likely to vape at school if they believe the school security team can walk in at any time, so it’s important to ensure checks are frequent but unpredictable.

Using vape detection sensors like HALO Smart Sensor can help simplify vaping incidents, reducing the need for school staff to check high-risk areas manually. By connecting HALO sensors to a video management system (VMS), security teams can receive real-time customizable alerts for immediate, informed response. This not only improves detection accuracy but also frees up teachers and staff for more critical tasks.

Additionally, integrations with cloud-based management systems like HALO Cloud can help schools analyze vaping trends and allocate resources to the areas that need the most attention. Customizable reports and trend analysis offer insights into where and when vaping is most likely to occur, enabling a more proactive vape reduction program.

3. Enforce fair and consistent consequences for vaping

Schools should adopt a no-tolerance policy towards vaping. Students found vaping or in possession of e‑cigarettes should face significant consequences, such as suspension or expulsion, to emphasize the seriousness of the offense.

Alongside disciplinary action, offer educational programs to help students make informed choices. Before returning to school, require students caught vaping to participate in an educational program about the dangers of vaping.

4. Deploy vape detectors to address and deter incidents

School vape detectors are invaluable tools for deterring vaping in high schools and middle schools. For optimal accuracy, place sensors in high-risk locations like restrooms, locker rooms and stairwells to help detect incidents in real-time. These sensors also act as a visible deterrent, showing students that vaping will be detected.

Vape detectors can also help deter vaping in areas like restrooms and locker rooms where school video security is not possible. Many vape detectors do not record audio or video, making them well-suited for securing these areas while maintaining privacy.

5. Teach students about the negative effects of vaping

Scientific research reveals that adolescents are prone to impulsive behavior and may engage in risky activities like vaping without fully understanding the consequences. Educating students about the real-world dangers and long-term impacts of vaping and smoking can help them make informed decisions.

Regular assemblies, presentations and one-on-one meetings about the risks of tobacco products are effective ways to deter vaping in middle schools and high schools. Consider inviting addiction specialists to speak at these events and provide real-world insights into the consequences of vaping and addiction, making the risks more tangible and relatable for students.

6. Implement an anonymous reporting system

Over 64% of teens report having witnessed their peers vaping at school, so it is important to provide students a way to anonymously report incidents. Anonymity is crucial, as students may hesitate to report if they fear retaliation.

Consider creating an anonymous online form for can to report vaping activity. Alternatively, place a physical box so students can drop written reports anonymously. Promote these reporting options during assemblies or presentations on vaping awareness.

7. Offer support to students struggling with addiction

Effective solutions to vaping in schools must include supporting students with nicotine addiction. When students can discreetly reach out for help and access non-judgemental guidance and resources, they may be more likely to comply with vaping bans.

These efforts can be supported by investments in school-led activities, groups and programs centered on healthy lifestyle choices. Encourage students to replace unhealthy habits with positive ones by participating in sports teams or extracurricular activities. This fosters a healthier and safer school environment.

8. Provide anti-vaping training to teachers and security staff

Train teachers and security staff to recognize signs of vaping. Training should cover how to identify vapes, recognize vape aerosol smells and provide support to students suffering from nicotine withdrawal.

Manual detection can be enhanced with vape detectors installed in high-risk areas across the school. These sensors will send real-time alerts if vape aerosols are detected to help facilitate swift responses. Many sensors also capture the time and location of each detection, helping schools maintain a historical record of incidents and identify trends in vaping prevention efforts.

9. Implement classroom policies to discourage vaping

Implementing clear, practical rules in the classroom can help reduce vaping among students. For example, teachers can require students to leave personal items like backpacks and bags in a designated area to prevent them from vaping in bathroom stalls or other private areas.

Consider seating students with a history of vaping in high-visibility areas to help reduce opportunities for discreet vaping in the classroom. Assigning seats near the teacher’s desk or in the center of the room ensures students remain within the teacher’s line of sight, making it harder for them to use vape devices unnoticed.

10. Request additional support from parents and caregivers

Partnering with parents is key to addressing teen vaping both inside and outside of school. Educating parents on how to recognize signs of vaping at home helps identify students who may need addiction support. By working together, schools and parents can ensure students get the help they need.

Parent involvement also reinforces the message that vaping is a serious issue. Leverage parent-teacher association meetings and school events as an opportunity to discuss the risks of vaping and explore ways to protect students. Partnerships with parents and the wider community can also help schools fundraise and apply for school safety grants to cover security system upgrades and vape detection programs.

The all-in-one solution to vaping in schools

The HALO Smart Sensor is an all-in-one intelligent solution for schools looking to address vaping. HALO sensors do not record audio or video, making them ideal for privacy-sensitive areas like restrooms or locker rooms where vaping tends to occur most often. This discreet detection system helps schools maintain a safe and healthy environment while respecting student privacy.

Beyond vaping, HALO can detect smoking, aggression and even gunshots, creating an additional layer of security for schools. HALO integrates easily with existing school security systems, sending real-time alerts to school administrators and enabling them to respond to events quickly and contain them before they escalate.

Conclusion

Teen vaping continues to be a pressing issue for teachers, parents and school communities, with over 40% of students vaping regularly. To effectively deter and address vaping, all members of the school community must work together to uphold policies and support students dealing with addiction.

A mix of clear classroom policies, consistent consequences and technological solutions can help prevent vaping on school grounds and provide students with the necessary support. Through awareness campaigns, training programs and the implementation of vape detectors, schools can make measurable strides towards becoming vape-free environments.