Teachers surveyed by Truth Initiative reported that student vaping has led to frequent class interruptions and decreased student focus. These incidents may be frustrating for educators, but it is important that schools respond to tobacco violations with a supportive approach. Nicotine is addictive and can impact the developing brain and a well-funded industry pushes its products into young people’s hands.
Truth Initiative does not support suspension or expulsions from school as a punishment for tobacco use, including vaping, on school grounds. Suspension can cause even more problems at school, leading to lower test scores and graduation rates, among other poor outcomes. As an organization committed to equity and inclusion, we also note with concern that there are serious differences in how suspension and expulsions are used, with Black, Latino, and students of other minorities being much more likely to be suspended or expelled.