Addiction is an issue we, as a society, view as a problem that is mostly faced by older adults. In reality though, with the recent development of JUULS and vapes, addiction has become a major issue within the teen community. For this week's module, our class focused on the major issue of teen drug addiction. Even though many schools have rules against vapes and e-cigarettes, students who are addicts will always find a way around the rules. This is why it is so important for teachers to be well educated on this social issue.
The article our class read this week was entitled “The student vaping crisis: How schools are fighting back”. In this article, the author sheds a light on the negative health effects that teens who vape can face. The article also discusses how schools have been recently trying to stop students from vaping. Personally, I believe that students who vape know the consequences that vaping can cause. The facts and statistics are everywhere, but even though they know the effects, they do not care. Teens have this "invincible" mindset. They think "that can't happen to me, I'm young and healthy". Within the documentary,“Vaping in Schools: 'Juuling' is Popular Among Teens Despite Health Risks”, a kid even claimed that if they wanted to they could easily receive a vape within “less than five minutes”. How easily accessible vapes are nowadays is vastly scary. There are only so many things teachers can do to help students. Teachers and schools can have assemblies during class to inform students on the dangers of vaping, but once the student is off school property and goes home it is up to them to make the right choice. Not only do teachers need to be informed but parents too. Parents, besides teachers, are another huge influence on teens. They need to be just as educated as teachers are.
A great way for teachers to involve parents is to notify them on the great website SAMHSA. SAMHSA, short for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a free website that has tons of different resources to help not only the addict but those who want to be more educated on the matter, such as a parent or friend, as well. SAMHSA provides on their website tons of information on local treatment centers, mental health support groups, and community-based organizations. Sadly, this is the first time I have ever heard about the website and I believe this program should be more well known. I personally feel that this website should be more well known because of how diverse it is with helping so many different issues. Whether this issue is about the dangers of marijuana usage or suicide prevention programs, SAMHSA is a great tool for teachers to show their students. Sometimes students and teens are scared to ask for help when they need it. So, if schools showed their students this helpful website they can privately access the help they need.
Addiction is a topic no one wants to talk about. No one thinks they are an addict before it's too late. Even though this is an uncomfortable topic it is a very important one that needs to become more mainstream. If we, current and future teachers, do not help students with the dangers of vaping, the issue will only get worse and intensify.
References:
Education Week (Director). (2018, July 18). Vaping in Schools: 'juuling' is popular among TEENS despite health risks[Video file]. Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNs19kGAnLU
SAMHSA's National Helpline – 1-800-662-help (4357): SAMHSA - substance abuse and mental health Services Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Superville, D., & Prothero, A. (2021, January 15). The student vaping crisis: How schools are fighting back. Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.edweek.org/leadership/the-student-vaping-crisis-how-schools-are-fighting-back/2019/08
Photo: by Chris Lundy https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/ocean-county/kids-can-vape-drugs-and-schools-have-to-change-policies/
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