Kansas High Schools in the U.S. Step Up Crackdown on Student Vaping

Vaping devices have become a nationwide issue in schools, and education officials in Kansas are addressing this problem.

According to a report by KWCH on September 12, the abuse of vaping devices in schools has become a national challenge, and education officials in Kansas are taking action.  

Amanda Grier, principal of Andover High School, mentioned:

“I think it’s more appealing to kids because they offer a variety of flavors. We’ve seen some students trying to sneak them in their backpacks or socks and then using them in the bathroom.” 

To prevent vaping, detectors have been installed in every bathroom and locker room. When the detectors go off, Grier stated that school staff are notified. At the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, Grier reported that staff received six notifications.

She said these notifications “brought in three or four different vaping devices.” 

Grier noted that vaping devices can be disguised as school supplies, and although she hasn’t seen this happening at school this year, she emphasized that parents need to pay attention to their children’s belongings and monitor their behavior. 

She said:

“A lot of times, parents think they’re pens just sitting in the back of the backpack, but now we’re seeing some vaping devices that look like highlighters and other school supplies.” 

Grier stated that any student caught using a device containing tobacco will face a three-day suspension and must complete a vaping education task. If a student is found using a device containing marijuana, they will be suspended for ten days and must undergo a drug assessment by a professional outside of school, followed by a 45-day probation period upon returning to school.