Communication and Awareness Can Save Lives

    Communication and Awareness Can Save Lives
    Posted on 01/13/2025

    Recently, Bolton Central School took an important step in protecting our students' health through our continued partnership with the Council for Prevention. The Council brought their innovative "Vape Escape" program to our school. This interactive program, led by expert Prevention Educators, provided our students in grades six through twelve with opportunities to explore compelling insights into the dangers of vaping through hands-on learning experiences.

    Students worked in teams to make their way through a vaping escape room scenario. The stage was set; “one of your friends is being peer pressured by a group of students in the bathroom to try their vape. Your friend doesn’t know much about vaping so they aren’t sure if they should try it or not. Your mission is to find the missing information so that you can convince your friend not to try the vape.” The groups worked together to solve clues and puzzles, figure out codes and open locks to find all the details needed to make a successful escape.

    Research has revealed concerning trends about youth vaping. According to recent studies, teenage vaping rates have increased significantly, with many students underestimating the serious health risks involved. While many perceive vaping as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes, scientific evidence shows it can lead to nicotine addiction, impair adolescent brain development, and cause severe respiratory complications. Many vaping products contain harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, acrolein, and toxic metal particles.

    A message was sent home to parents and guardians encourage  open conversations with students about vaping. This included some suggestions for approaching this topic:

    ·   Start with curiosity. Ask what they know about vaping and what they've heard from their friends. Ask "What have you learned about vaping at school?" or "What are your thoughts about why some kids choose to vape?" These questions can help you understand their perspective and any peer pressure they might be facing.

    ·   Share factual information about the health risks, but avoid scare tactics. Young people are more likely to respond to honest, straightforward communication about how vaping can impact their daily lives. You may want to discuss how vaping can impact athletic performance or explain the connection between nicotine and anxiety.

    ·   Build resistance skills by practicing responses to peer pressure scenarios, discussing how to handle uncomfortable social situations, and identifying trusted adults they can turn to for support.

    Together, we can ensure our students have the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices about vaping and their overall well-being.

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