Vaping has emerged as a significant issue at The Columbus School, raising alarm about its health risks, despite a common perception among students that it is “safe.” As the number of students vaping increases, both peers and counselors are seeking to understand its allure while addressing the associated dangers.
The school’s students and counselors are increasingly grappling with the rise of vaping on campus, aiming to understand its appeal and educate students on the risks. On one side, students reveal misconceptions about vaping’s safety, while on the other, counselors work to address its potential long-term effects. The trend reflects a growing need for awareness and intervention within the student body.
“I first heard about vaping when I was in middle school. It seemed like something only older kids were doing, so it didn’t really affect me. Now, in high school, vaping is pretty common among my peers. I think it’s popular because it’s seen as less harmful than smoking, and the variety of flavors makes it more appealing,” Mateo Villegas, a senior, said.
Counselor Maria Teresa Mejia provides a different perspective on the issue, emphasizing that students often remain silent about their vaping habits until confronted.
“Not very often when they come here is it because they’ve been found with a vape or a vape-related issue, but like on their own because they have trouble with vaping, not that common,” she notes. This highlights a troubling reality: many students are unaware of the serious consequences of their actions, with illnesses previously associated with older populations now emerging among young vapers.
Another student, Samuel Mendivelso, adds to the conversation about vaping’s perceived safety. “Firstly, I thought vaping was like a new type of cigarette, a healthier one since it was more technological. I thought it could be used as an alternative for people who struggled with smoking normal cigarettes.” He elaborates on its popularity, saying, “I do believe vaping is common among my peers. It’s popular because it’s seen as an alternative to cigarettes and more ‘cool’ among young people. The variety of flavors makes it more appealing.”
When discussing the health risks associated with vaping, Mateo Villegas acknowledges a troubling gap in understanding. “I don’t think most students are fully aware of the health risks associated with vaping, especially the long-term effects. They may know it’s not completely safe, but they often assume it’s much less dangerous than smoking.” Samuel Mendivelso echoes this sentiment, adding, “I think students know the risks, but since vaping is relatively new, they haven’t seen serious diseases or illnesses yet, so they disregard it as something that doesn’t really matter to them.”
Maria Teresa Mejia emphasizes that addressing vaping requires a collaborative effort between the school and families. “It’s not something that I can do by myself. It has to be worked on both at home and with experts in addiction because when you have an addiction, it’s not only about willpower. Sometimes they need help with medication or other resources.” This underscores the complexity of the issue, as tackling vaping involves more than just awareness; it necessitates a comprehensive support system.
Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness about vaping’s dangers, the path forward remains challenging. Maria T explains, “We’ve tried different ways to communicate with students. We’ve had talks, shown videos, and discussed the issue with parents, but it’s still an ongoing challenge.”
Vaping has swiftly become a nationwide health concern, particularly among teenagers who often view it as a safe or “cool” alternative to smoking. The accessibility of vape products, combined with their appeal through flavors and discreet use, has fueled this troubling trend. While many students recognize that vaping isn’t entirely risk-free, the absence of immediate health consequences can lead to a dangerous underestimation of its risks. Emerging research is beginning to reveal that the long-term consequences of vaping are significant, including respiratory diseases typically associated with older populations. As this trend continues to grow, it is essential for schools and families to unite in educating young people about the genuine risks involved and developing effective strategies to support those already struggling with addiction.