The School District of Manawa, similar to many other districts, has seen a recent spike in incidents involving student vaping.  Unfortunately, there is varying information and misunderstandings involving vaping and electronic cigarettes.  The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the issues and to share resources if you feel your child may be interested in or has started vaping.  Due to the numerous negative effects of vaping, the district is taking this issue very seriously. Vaping is not only against school board policy (po 5512), but it is also very dangerous.   

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette.  The inhaled vapor can contain nicotine, THC (a chemical found in marijuana), and other substances. The liquids that are vaporized come in many different flavors and might even smell fruity.  Many of the flavors of these liquid concentrates, or ‘vape juices’, are sweet and have names such as cinnamon roll, marshmallow, bubblegum, lemonade, and cookies.

Vaporizers and e-cigarettes come in all different shapes and sizes; some will look like pens, a stylus for computers, and even flash drives.  Most of these devices are very small and can be easily hidden.  One of the newest trends in vaping is ‘Juuling.’ Juuling is a very discreet form of vaping. A Juul closely resembles a thumb drive.  

Much like other tobacco/nicotine products, stores cannot sell vaping items to anyone under the age of 18; however, students have reported that these items can easily be purchased on-line.

From Governor Tony Evers

E-Cigarette Letter to Schools - November 2019 - Office of the Governor

Recommended Family Resources

The resources below are highlighted from Governor Evers' letter to school districts.

HELP ADDICTED YOUTH QUIT

This Is Quitting (Truth Initiative and Mayo Clinic)
Wisconsin Tobacco Quitline (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) (American Lung Association)

PROVIDE RESOURCES TO PARENTS ABOUT TALKING TO THEIR TEENS

Tobacco Is Changing (Wisconsin Department of Health)
E-Cigarettes and Youth: What Parents Need to Know (CDC)
E-Cigarettes, “Vapes”, and JUULs: What Parents Should Know (American Lung Association)

ENGAGE YOUTH TO PROMOTE HEALTH MESSAGES THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL

Real Cost – Multimedia campaign by FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products
Taking Down Tobacco (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)
The Truth (Truth Initiative)
Free posters (CTP’s Exchange Lab)