Vaping has reached an all-time high at schools across the nation. “E-cigarette use skyrocketed between 2011 to 2017, going from 1.5 percent to 11.7 percent among high school students and from 0.6 percent to 3.3 percent among middle school students,” according to the Food and Drug Administration. Schools are trying to put an end to vaping by starting with being caught with any device it is an automatic five-day suspension and the police could be contacted if student is not of the legal age. After confiscating the device, they call your parents and notify them about the whole situation.

When students are caught they may be punished by missing out on any sporting event, dances, and the suspension goes on your permanent record. Although most colleges do not ask to see the students’ discipline record, there is still a chance that they will ask for it, ruining students opportunities to get into the school.

There has been a massive increase in students using vapes since last year. “Sales of e-cigarettes are expected to double this year over 2017,” The Wall Street Journal mentions. Juul is a massive company known for their different flavor pods and there slim design that makes it easy to hide and so addictive. Juul is being investigated by the FDA trying to stop the sales to underage people. The FDA has sent over 1,300 letters to Juul about investigating their sales.

Professionals are nervous that vaping may damage minors’ mental development. “These risks include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.” According to U.S Surgeon General. Smoking affects the area of the brain that helps our decision making, emotions, and our impulse decision making.

Teenagers are still developing into their early 20’s. In today’s society it is harder to label one group to smoking because so many people are doing it, so it is harder to pick out the students who use them. “This is probably the worst in my career as an administrator which is 26 years that I’ve seen something this bad,” Serrano said.