The Alabama State Board of Education took another step this week toward implementing a statewide policy aimed at reducing vaping among public school students. The policy comes in response to growing concerns about the health effects of vaping on young people and the increasing number of students caught using e-cigarettes on school property.
According to the New York Post and an article in The Sun, vaping poses significant risks for teenagers, including lung damage, nicotine addiction, and exposure to harmful chemicals such as THC oils and synthetic cannabinoids. Research also shows that peer pressure contributes to widespread use, with teens much more likely to vape if their friends do, and social media often downplays the dangers. These findings have prompted state leaders to craft a formal prevention and education program for Alabama schools.
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As reported by the Alabama Reflector, the new policy is mandated under HB 8, passed by the legislature earlier this year. The law required the State Board to adopt a model anti-vaping policy by July 1 and local boards to implement it by September 1. The policy prohibits possession and use of vaping products on school property, buses, and at school-sponsored events, and outlines graduated disciplinary consequences.
Per ABC 33/40, at a recent board meeting, Dr. Mackey described the two-step approach that schools will take when students are caught vaping. On a first offense, parents will be notified. A second offense will require the student—and in subsequent cases, also their parent or guardian—to attend a vaping awareness, education, and prevention class. The curriculum, developed in partnership with the Drug Education Council, will address topics such as health consequences, peer pressure, addiction, quitting resources, and misconceptions about vaping.
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The model policy also includes procedures for investigating reports of vaping violations, standardized reporting forms, and communication to students and families through school handbooks. Employees will also be prohibited from vaping on campus.
While some board members questioned the law’s narrow focus on vaping rather than a broader drug prevention policy, as noted by Alabama Reflector, Mackey emphasized the need to comply with the law as written. The Board is expected to vote on adopting the model policy in August.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
