Dear Parents/Guardians,
I want to bring to the attention of our school community the new trend in smoking. Many of you may already be aware that nationally the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise. South Amboy is not insulated from this.
What are electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other chemicals. They can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes (cig-a-likes), cigars, or pipes, or even everyday items like pens or USB memory sticks. Other devices, such as those with refillable tanks, may look different. Regardless of their design and appearance, these devices generally operate in a similar manner and are made of similar components. More than 460 different e-cigarette brands are currently on the market.
How do they work?
Most e-cigarettes consist of four different components, including:
1) a cartridge or reservoir, which holds a liquid solution (e-liquid or e-juice) containing varying amounts of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals
2) a heating element (atomizer)
3) a power source (usually a battery)
4) a mouthpiece that the person uses to inhale
In many e-cigarettes, puffing activates the battery-powered heating device, which vaporizes the liquid in the cartridge. The person then inhales the resulting aerosol or vapor (called vaping).
Is it legal for people under 21?
No and it is also not permitted for students to use or possess on school grounds. This will result in suspension from school and possible drug testing. These devices can also be used to deliver marijuana and hash oil to the user.
When you smoke a cigarette, it smells. Aren’t they easy to detect?
No, they are not. These devices can give off odors as the user may select from a multitude of flavors; however, some of the devices can give off very little smell and smoke. Users can, especially with the Juul devices (a type of e-cigarette), blow the smoke into their hand or clothing and possibly go undetected. These devices can also look like everyday items such as pens, USB memory sticks and lipstick to name a few.
What can the school do?
First, provide information such as we are today.
Second, speak to our students to educate them and provide facts about this trend.
Lastly, address the behavior when it occurs by taking the appropriate action and providing support and guidance afterwards.
As a parent, what can I do?
First, educate yourself on the topic. I have included a good number of resources below. These are short articles and a youtube video. They are all worth your time.
Second, talk to your child; ask questions. The time you spend with him or her building and maintaining a strong relationship allows for meaningful conversations to happen. This resource from the Surgeon General may prove helpful:
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf .
Lastly, if you need help, ask. If you need support, call us. We are in this together as one school community.
If, after reading this and viewing the resources below, you have any questions or suggestions, please call the school.
Thank you,
Dr. McCabe
Online resources:
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz67IqkLwYs&feature=youtu.be
https://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts/labeling/productsingredientscomponents/ucm456610.htm
http://www.refinery29.com/2018/02/190089/what-is-juul-e-cigarette-vaping-teenagers
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigarettes
https://www.app.com/story/news/education/2018/01/24/vaping-jersey-shore-schools-administrators-
crack-down/1055400001/
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2018/01/17/nj-schools-crack-down-on-vaping/
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/12/04/568273801/teenagers-embrace-juul-saying-its-
discreet-enough-to-vape-in-class