Editorial: Schools are right to teach dangers of vaping

In the 1970s, smoking lots were common at area high schools. In some schools, some indoor areas were even set aside for students to partake in the habit.

Thankfully, those days are gone. But every generation has its challenges and high school officials today are figuring out the best way to deter students from using vaping devices and other alternative nicotine products.

While we have been supportive of the effort this year to raise the minimum age for tobacco products (which include e-cigarettes and vaping devices) to 21, we also know that schools must do what they do best, educate on the dangers of these products.

Unfortunately, all the dangers aren't known, as studies on these new smoking mechanisms are still in the infancy stage. And the makers of the products are taking advantage of that by marketing them to teens with enticing flavors and easily usable devices that could help mask their use in school.

"We are trying to get ahead of the problem by educating students that this is not the harmless practice that many of them apparently believe and to help parents understand what to watch for," said David Beery, spokesman for Maine Township High School District 207.

At the district's urging, Des Plaines officials this week approved a new city ordinance that would allow first-time student offenders caught vaping or using e-cigarettes to enter an educational program, instead of paying a $25 fine under state law.

We like the educational component and think other schools should work with their communities as well. Park Ridge, which is home to two District 207 schools, already has a similar law.

Some Des Plaines officials said they didn't go far enough and want to change the minimum age to 21 for using or buying tobacco or vaping products. The state General Assembly is considering such a measure and we'd urge passage.

But even with an age change, education on the usage of e-cigarettes and vaping is necessary.

Lake Zurich High School hosted a panel discussion last month on the topic rather than wait for more scientific studies to be done on the products.

"We want to get out ahead of it, to try to do things proactively in order to best support our students," said Matt Aiello, Lake Zurich's dean of students. "In many cases, students will minimize (the risks). They don't see it as as big of a deal as the adults do. When I was younger, we heard over and over again the ills of cigarettes. I feel the campaign to inform youth (about e-cigarettes and vaping) hasn't been as consistent."

It's vitally important to get that message out.