The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has become increasingly popular among teenagers in recent years. This trend has prompted many schools to take action to prevent vaping on school grounds. One solution that has gained traction is the installation of vape detectors in school bathrooms, where teenagers have labeled the spot to vape. Unfortunately, students vaping in bathrooms is a common inconvenience to many students. While some are desperate to enjoy a vape in the stalls, most are just desperate to partake in their daily bodily functions and use the restroom. So, schools, aware of this inconvenience, have decided to aid students in escaping from vaping with the installation of new vape detectors.

Vape detectors are devices that can detect the presence of e-cigarette vapor in the air. The device alerts school administrators or security personnel when the smoke is detected. This allows them to respond quickly and take appropriate action to prevent vaping on school grounds. These vape detectors use a sensor that can detect particulate sizes down to 0.3 microns, which is small enough to identify the presence of vaping particles. So even when filtered out by a shirt sleeve, it can alert unwanted behavior accurately. The 3D Sense detector, for example, has been meticulously engineered and calibrated to minimize false-positive and only send alerts when vaping is likely. However, when only one sensor covers a larger area, it is hard for the sensor to detect vape particles. It cannot adequately alert when a student is insufficiently using the restrooms.

Installing these vape detectors in school bathrooms is a relatively simple process, ranging from $100 to about $1000. The vape detectors can be mounted on a ceiling or wall and are typically connected to the school’s WiFi network. When the vapor is detected, the device sends an alert to school administrators or security personnel via email or text message.

There are several benefits to installing vape detectors in school bathrooms. First and foremost, they can help deter students from vaping on school grounds. When students know that vape detectors are around, they may be less likely to engage in this behavior. Additionally, vape detectors can help identify vaping students and allow school administrators to intervene and provide support.

While installing vape detectors in school bathrooms can effectively prevent vaping on school grounds, it is not a foolproof solution. Teenagers will always find a way around anything. In addition, some students may find a way to circumvent the detectors, such as by vaping outside the bathroom or using a different e-cigarette. Some critics also argue that vape detectors could be an invasion of privacy and may not be effective in the long run.

Considering this, which schools were so quick to install these new vape detectors in their bathrooms? The Eaton Rapids School District in Michigan is ready to stop vaping in their community, seeing as these problems have rapidly increased among teenagers after COVID-19. The High School Principle, Derek Lounds, states, “We’ve been very upfront with students, parents, and families that we have these vape detectors. Our goal is to help students make better choices.” High Schools in New Jersey, Ohio, and Illinois have been reported to be using these new vape detectors, and many more schools have been requesting the installation of this device.

“This is not a gotcha-type thing,” Superintendent Michael J. Rossl of the Sparta Township School District told CNN, “It’s an educational, therapeutic, and holistic response. We’re not looking to punish people.”

“We decided it was probably important to do more than just talk about it,” Jennifer Reese, a spokeswoman for the district in Ohio, said, “[We] thought that we need to take more action.”

That being said, the districts that have installed this device served a relevant purpose to help students escape from the use of vape and strongly support the development of vape detectors in more schools. What are your thoughts on this? Would you like vape detectors to be installed in your school bathrooms? Why or why not?

In conclusion, installing vape detectors in school bathrooms is one solution schools can use to prevent vaping on school grounds. While it is not a perfect solution, it can effectively deter students from vaping and identifying those who do. As schools continue to grapple with the issue of vaping among teenagers, it is essential to consider a range of solutions and approaches to address this growing trend.