Effective Approaches for Vape-Free Schools
Startlingly, 30% of Manitoban youth aged 15-19 have tried vaping, and 14% report vaping in the last 30 days.
And just like smoking that came before it, schools need effective strategies to prevent vaping and support a healthy learning environment.
New Challenges Vaping Presents
Schools face multiple obstacles in managing youth vaping, and the evolving nature of vape products adds to the challenge.
Many devices now resemble common items like USB drives, pens, or even gaming gadgets. This disguise allows students to use them covertly in classrooms, bathrooms, and other areas without attracting attention.
Nicotine addiction complicates things further, as students feel the need to vape frequently, sometimes even in class. Tackling the problem with strict discipline alone doesn’t address the root cause. Schools need approaches that balance accountability with support to help students quit.
Some strategies have also proven ineffective or even counterproductive. For instance, closing bathrooms or removing bathroom doors to prevent vaping only negatively impacts students needing to use school facilities. Overly severe punishments can also discourage students from seeking help, so schools need a comprehensive, supportive approach.
New Products That Schools Need to Watch For
The latest nicotine products have evolved to be both discreet and highly addictive, presenting additional challenges to school policies.
Nicotine Pouches
These tobacco-free, smokeless pouches deliver nicotine by placing them inside the lip. Unlike traditional vapes, nicotine pouches produce no vapour or odour, making them almost impossible for teachers to detect.
Gaming Device Look-Alikes
Certain vape devices are now designed to resemble gaming gadgets, complete with LCD screens and even mini-games. These vapes blend in easily with other electronics, making them difficult for teachers and staff to spot.
Solutions for Schools to Address Youth Vaping
Schools in Manitoba and across Canada are exploring solutions that provide a balance of structure and support. By implementing these practices, schools can create healthier environments for their students.
Progressive Discipline with Support
Progressive discipline on vaping in schools takes a supportive, step-by-step approach to address student behaviour and underlying issues related to nicotine use. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, schools begin with initial warnings for first-time offences, which may escalate to educational interventions, counselling, or addiction support for repeat violations.
This method recognizes that many students who vape may be dealing with nicotine addiction, not just rule-breaking, and aims to provide resources that help students understand the risks and find pathways to quit. By combining discipline with education and support, progressive discipline encourages healthier choices while reinforcing the importance of a vape-free environment.
Vape-Free Policies
Schools need vape-free policies that are both clear and accessible. Making these policies available in student handbooks, on school websites, and through newsletters ensures that students, parents, and staff understand the rules and consequences.
Innovative Detection and Reporting Tools
A pilot program in Ontario has some schools using vape detectors in common areas like bathrooms and hallways. These detectors provide real-time data and help schools identify vaping hotspots quickly. However, this is a new approach, and schools are still assessing its effectiveness in reducing vaping incidents.
Engaging Parents and Families
Schools that communicate effectively with parents are more likely to create a cohesive front against youth vaping. Regular updates on vaping trends, health risks, and school policies help parents stay informed and prepared. Schools can also provide guidance on how to talk to teens about vaping, encouraging supportive conversations that reinforce the school’s policies.
Related: How to Talk to Youth About Vaping
Youth-Led Advocacy Programs
Youth-led anti-vaping initiatives empower students to advocate for a vape-free culture. These student-led initiatives often resonate more effectively than top-down messaging, making peers more likely to adopt healthy choices.
Offer Cessation Support
Recognizing that many students are struggling with nicotine addiction, schools should provide resources like counseling and access to addiction support services. Rather than focusing only on discipline, schools can create a supportive environment that helps students quit vaping for good.
Related: Quit Resources in Manitoba
The Role Parents Can Play
Parents play an essential role in supporting schools’ efforts to curb youth vaping by fostering open conversations, setting a healthy example, and staying informed on the latest vaping trends. Talking openly with their children about the risks of vaping—without resorting to lectures—creates a safe space for discussion and encourages kids to share their views or experiences.
Additionally, parents can reinforce positive, vape-free behaviours by encouraging involvement in sports, hobbies, or other screen-free activities that keep teens engaged in healthier pursuits. Staying informed on school policies and vaping trends by subscribing to MANTRA’s e-newsletter equips parents with current information that supports school initiatives. Working together with schools and modelling healthy choices at home, parents can strengthen the anti-vaping message, making it clear that a vape-free lifestyle is both the expectation and a positive choice for their child’s well-being.
Youth vaping presents complex challenges, but schools can make a meaningful impact by combining structured policies with proactive support. By adopting progressive discipline, encouraging student advocacy, and engaging parents, schools can create a comprehensive approach to tackling vaping.