What Parents Should Know About JUUL
By now I hope most parents are aware of the recent negative trend of teenagers using a nicotine-based product called JUUL. Originally designed as a smoking cessation device, JUUL has found a plethora of new users both young and old. The highly addictive and seductive nature of this product has created a nationwide problem within schools, as students as young as 12 are tempted to try JUUL’s flavors including creme brûlée, fruit medley and mint. Unfortunately JUUL is also much too readily available, whether through on-line ordering or at the local Conoco. (New regulations are tightening the availability somewhat.)
At the recent Upper School Open Forum, I discussed this trend and noted that, sadly, Colorado Academy is not immune to the pernicious effects of JUULing. We know we have a small number of students using, possibly even at school, and are doing all we can to enforce a drug-free campus. Teachers have been briefed about the warning signs, and students have been ecnouarged to share concerns about other students who ay be using JUUL. For the most part we can treat this as a health and wellness issue and steer students to appropriate counseling. Obviously if we catch someone using or distributing on campus, that will be handled as a disciplinary matter. I also met recently with school leaders at other Colorado independent schools, all of which are encountering the same issues. This “fad” has hit schools everywhere and we are all responding the best we can.
Knowledge is key. School personnel and parents need to be aware of what we are dealing with and work towards greater student enlightenment about the negative health impacts. Towards that end, I am including a few links to informative articles.
http://www.center4research.org/the-dangers-of-juuling/
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf
https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit/E-Cigs/ECigUnit6.html
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