YOUTH VAPING West Virginia has the highest percentage of youth vaping in the country, and they are increasingly vaping at school. Vaping can cause severe health consequences because the devices contain tobacco and other harmful substances. We should do more to curb youth vaping, especially in schools. Attendees saw vaping in school, primarily in bathrooms, as a potential way for students to unsuspectingly try harder drugs. A few attendees in different community meetings shared that their children have told them that drugs have been passed around via vaping pens in bathrooms on campus.
WEST VIRGINIA HAS THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF YOUTH VAPING IN THE COUNTRY.
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Because of this, some schools have installed vape detectors. In August 2023, Governor Jim Justice announced the West Virginia’s Clear Future: Don’t Let Vaping Cloud It initiative. The initiative does not have a website or online presence. Still, according to a press release, it will implement the CATCH My Breath vaping prevention curriculum. This evidence-based, peer-led program will begin in year one with West Virginia middle schools.
