Vape-Free

At Northside ISD we are committed to creating a safe, healthy, and thriving educational environment for all our students. One crucial step toward achieving this is addressing the concerning rise of vaping among our youth. With a new state law set to take effect on September 1, 2023, we're taking proactive measures to ensure our students understand the impact of this legislation.

New State Law Cracking Down on Vaping

In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 114 into law, marking a significant response to the growing concern surrounding e-cigarettes and vaping among our youth. This law specifies that any student found in possession of vaping-related items will be in violation of our Student Code of Conduct, resulting in a mandatory placement in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP).

How This Might Impact Your Student

It's essential for parents to understand how this new law might affect their students. Even if your child possesses an e-cigarette without anything inside it, or any vaping-related component, part, or accessory on school grounds or at a school-related event, they could face a mandatory placement at a disciplinary alternative education placement (DAEP) for a first-time e-cigarette offense. Please be aware that students assume responsibility for any items knowingly within their possession, regardless of ownership.

During their time at the DAEP, students are not permitted to participate in school activities. Moreover, they may face removal from specific student clubs or organizations, depending on the rules and regulations of each organization. Additionally, students with DAEP placements do not qualify for final exam exemptions for that school year.

Parent/Guardian's Next Steps

As a parent or guardian, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure your student is informed about this new law. Here's what you can do:

Have an open conversation with your student about the legislation.
Encourage your student to be vigilant about the contents of their backpack, vehicle, and personal belongings.
Remind your student not to allow friends to store prohibited items in their belongings or hold such items on behalf of others.
Discuss the adverse health effects of vaping with your student.

We've provided resources below to help you start these critical conversations.

Informative Resources for Parents and Students

We understand that addressing the issue of vaping requires access to reliable information. Here are some resources to help you navigate this conversation:

Educational Videos

Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping, and JUULs: How to talk to kids

This video exposes the hidden dangers of e-cigarettes, including Juul. Despite being marketed as safer alternatives, they pose serious risks, including nicotine's impact on teen brains, a potential gateway to smoking, harmful chemicals, device safety concerns, uncertain long-term effects, and the importance of parental conversations to protect young people from these risks.

Students Are Hiding Vaping Devices In Plain Sight | TODAY

Several products are now on the market that make it easy for kids to disguise and hide e-cigarettes as everyday objects such as pens, smartwatches and more. NBC’s Vicky Nguyen puts parents and teachers to the test to see if they can find the hidden vaping devices.

SAMHSA'S TTHY 60-Second PSA – Clouded

Keeping kids safe from the dangers of vaping is a concern for parents. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children early on and frequently in this public service announcement from SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.”® parent-focused national media campaign. For more information about talking with your kids about underage use of alcohol and other drugs, visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

Vaping: The Hit Your Brain Takes

This video explores the world of e-cigarettes, highlighting their potential risks. E-cigarettes produce vapor with nicotine and flavorings but lack thorough health reviews. Research reveals harmful ingredients, including lung-damaging particles, oils, and toxic compounds. Nicotine's impact on developing brains poses addiction and mental health risks. It's crucial to protect our well-being and brains from potential harm.