Vaping, Tobacco, and Nicotine
Vaping, Tobacco, and Nicotine
District Policy Information: Policy 4215 – Tobacco-Free Environment
The school district shall notify students and school personnel of tobacco prohibition and post signs prohibiting the use of tobacco products. Students and school personnel who violate this policy may be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to:
- Referral to a health care provider
- Intervention resources online
- Educational material on the risk of smoking and tobacco products
- For students: possible disciplinary actions as noted in the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools
Key Facts About Vaping
- Vapes are also called electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
- Using a vape is most commonly called vaping.
- Vapes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol (aka vapor) that users inhale into their lungs.
- The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and/or other substances and additives.
- Vapes contain poisons, carcinogens, and toxic metals.
- The most commonly used vapes by teens are disposable or pod-style vapes that come in many flavors and sizes.
How to Talk With Your Child About Nicotine and Vaping
- Get informed!
- While educators play an important role in your child’s life, parents’ and caregivers’ communication about drugs and substances is the most impactful messaging they receive.
- Take time to know the facts about nicotine.
- The following links provide a framework for having a productive conversation:
- Consider the following:
- How your child feels and how to best communicate with them.
- How to manage your emotions during difficult conversations, especially if they disclose having used nicotine.
- What the right time and place is or would be
- If you need to practice what to say.
- Acknowledge and honor their independence, and your trust in them.
- Ask for their perspective and ask open-ended questions.
- Maintain a calm and supportive demeanor.
- Avoid ‘scare tactics.’
- Connect messaging with how nicotine impacts them: Big Tobacco preying on and misleading young people like them, how nicotine/vaping can detract from their quality of life.
- Thank them for their trust and honesty.
- Follow up about:
- Peer Pressure
- Stress and their mental health
- New curiosities around drugs and substances
- Share resources with fellow parents and caregivers!