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BLaST IU 17 holds forum on vaping

Vaping, also known as Juuling, has become prevalent among middle and high school students and is not immune to the area.

BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 hosted a Hot Topic Forum recently to share resources on vaping and Juuling and learn how districts are regionally managing this trend as it continues to draw national attention.

Beth McMahon, former professor at Lock Haven University and co-chair to the Lycoming County Youth Development Task Force, shared the PA Youth Survey (PAYS) data on tobacco and e-cigarette use, showing the correlation to mental health statistics.

While the historical data indicated decreased use of tobacco over the last 15 years, the onset of vaping devices has reintroduced the harmful addiction at alarming rates.

McMahon posed the question, “How can we — families, schools and communities — help our youth?” and shared the results of a recent focus group study that confirmed the connection between vaping and adolescent anxiety and social pressures facing the Z-Generation.

Other presenters included Tony Delonti from the American Lung Association, who shared resources on how to start vaping conversations with parents and students, a toolkit for educators and proposed alternatives to suspension.

Communities can also anticipate a resurfacing of the successful tobacco TRUTH campaigns, now targeting vaping.

Derek Peterson, CEO/founder of Soter Technologies, referred to vaping as an “epidemic” and that “education is part of the solution.” Soter Technologies offers FlySense vape detectors to more than 7,000 schools internationally.

In addition to the detectors, they also offer books and resources and have launched a #NoVaping campaign.

IU 17’s director of educational planning, Brooke Beiter, echoed Peterson’s urge to educate, stating, “Vaping devices alone will not change behaviors, but those devices along with increased prevention awareness and parent and community communication, educators can reduce the harmful trend. Today was a conversation starter that equipped educators across the region.”

Superintendents, principals and school counselors from seven school districts attended the forum.

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