In recent years, an increasing number of high school students in St. Petersburg and across the country have been using electronic cigarettes. In Alaska alone, more than one-fifth of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the last month. Students are seeking assistance both inside and outside of school to deal with this trend.
Officials at a school in Saint Petersburg have implemented early measures to reduce the incidence of students using e-cigarettes. Teachers noticed students congregating in bathrooms to use the devices, prompting a new rule requiring students to leave the classroom when using the restroom in order to be tracked. The next step will be to install e-cigarette detectors in the bathrooms. Principal Ambler Moss said the sensors are intended to deter gatherings in the restrooms.
I believe that e-cigarette sensors would be of great help," said Mos, "not to catch people, but to prevent them from doing it in the first place.
However, Mosse stated that schools in St. Petersburg are avoiding harsh punishments. Mosse explained that he is more interested in changing the behavior of students rather than punishing them for using e-cigarettes.
Mos stated, 'The last thing I want to do is strictly enforce discipline and consequences, as it is a harsh and ongoing hardcore consequence that could alienate a community. We need their support to collectively address this issue, or honestly, any issue.'
This is in line with the advice of public health experts. Kristin Wright, project manager of the Alaska Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, said that a suspension is not feasible.
Therefore, we recommend alternative methods to discontinuing use of these products, in order to provide resources and support for children to quit, without them returning home and using the product more without the necessary treatment," Knight said.
There are many reasons why avoiding school suspension is better. Studies have shown that students of color and those who are homeless or living in poverty are more likely to receive strict disciplinary action. In a well-documented trend referred to as the "school-to-prison pipeline," children who are heavily punished in school are more likely to end up in prison later in life.
However, Knight stated that this impact is not limited to punished students.
Evidence does suggest that harsher punishments may lead to a decrease in the graduation rates of all students in the classroom," stated Knight.
On the contrary, Knight suggests using an education-focused approach. She states that research indicates that teaching children about the risks of e-cigarettes is more likely to make them quit smoking.
If you are found smoking on campus," Knight said, "they can receive an educational program that supports them not using these products.
Petersburg High School is currently working with the American Lung Association to revise their school policy to offer alternative options for school suspension.
Principal Erica Kleudt-Painter has stated that they may collaborate with the Alaska rural community action program, RurAL-CAP, to train school children as peer educators. Charlie Ess, a tobacco educator with RurAL-CAP, has noted that research indicates that peers are the most effective messengers for teenagers.
Ess said, "If they hear it from their peers, it's much better than hearing it from an elder like me.
In addition to the formal peer education program, St. Petersburg public health nurse Erin Michael said that it is more helpful for children to simply discuss this issue with their friends.
Michael said, "A friend told me that I really don't think this is a good idea. And honestly, when you do this, I don't want to be around you. Or, I feel uncomfortable about it. About you. I really think this can have a huge impact on teenagers.
Charlotte Martin, a senior high school student, expressed her agreement with this. She serves as the student representative on the board of directors for the Peterborough School.
Martin stated, "I believe that if other students do not approve, there will be a lot of talk which will discourage people from doing it... especially if those other students are older than them.
However, education about the risks of electronic cigarettes is limited to this. Petersburg Kludt-Painter expressed her concern specifically for students already addicted.
Kludt-Painter stated: "If our children are unable to go a day without doing this, it is a bigger issue.
Samuel Steinbruegge is a social worker responsible for overseeing SEARHC's behavioral health clinic in Petersburg. He stated that group therapy is highly effective in helping high school students struggling with addiction.
Steinbruegge stated that "the most important relationships for teenagers are the ones they establish with other teenagers. That's why, especially in addiction and trauma fields, one of the reasons we work with teenagers in group settings is to encourage collaboration.
He said that obtaining mental health care is an essential component if a child is found using electronic cigarettes. Nicotine addiction may indicate that teenagers are struggling with larger issues.
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