Vaping, the use of e-cigarettes or similar devices to deliver nicotine, is now contrary to Boothbay Region High School’s tobacco policy. The policy includes students, for whom use of vaping materials and paraphernalia is illegal, and staff, who now may not use the products on campus, according to the policy, revised effective March 27.

Prior to the new policy, the school peppered the hallways and bathrooms with educational posters, and included them on the television in the lobby. Although aimed at the high school right now, it is clear, according to freshman Della Hahn and senior Savannah Sedivy, that the use of vaping is trickling down to middle school students and in some cases, even elementary school students. The two teens and Healthy Lincoln County made a presentation on Friday, March 22 at Boothbay Region YMCA.

According to SUPP surveys, more than 80 percent of young people under 18 have reported trying vaping.

Vaping materials are flavored with fruit and candy flavors, making them extremely attractive to young people, according to Healthy Lincoln County Director Kate Marone. Once the vaping pen is bought, the cost of the vaping liquid can be as much as $30 per package, with each packet providing as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. A popular vaping device is known as a “Juul,” which resembles a small flash drive and easily fits in the palm of a student’s hand.

Not all vaping liquids contain nicotine, however, and because they are flavored, students may not be aware whether or not the inhalant contains nicotine. According to SUPP, substances also include other chemicals, such as formaldehyde and propylene glycol. One harmful chemical in vaping liquid is diacetyl, a flavorant whose inhalation is linked to an array of pulmonary complications, including popcorn lung.

One of the goals is to establish social norms with teenagers, which has proved helpful regarding alcohol and marijuana, after surveys suggested fewer than one in five students used alcohol or marijuana on a regular basis. However, with vaping, four in five have reported use, and Marone said social norms would not be effective, since students are using the vaping pens on a regular basis.

The sticker shock campaign, in which students affix stickers to packages of beer in stores, reminding adult buyers it is illegal to buy beer or wine for anyone under the age of 21, is still ongoing, and planning is under way for a Boothbay Region campaign.

SUPP and Healthy Lincoln County will take part in the Cancer Action Network “Day at the Capitol” April 2 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Hall of Flags.

The group discussed prom season ideas to prevent teens from risky behavior. A popular idea was to provide places students could go for breakfast after meals and dancing, and could remain there under a parent-cook’s supervision. Another campaign is to emphasize the importance of family meals, called “Mealtime Matters,” and encourage restaurants to support family mealtimes with tent signs on tables and to provide handouts.  The group also considered questions for the 2019 parent survey.