(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Teen Vaping

Increase in young vapers concerns P.A. school division

Mar 20, 2019 | 12:00 PM

Data from a recent Health Canada survey showed that 23 per cent of students in grades 7-12 have tried an electronic cigarette.

Robert Bratvold, Director of Education with the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division, told paNOW the school division has also seen an increase in the number of students using e-cigarettes. In response, he said the school division has made it one of their priorities since the fall to increase awareness about the health risks associated with vaping.

“We believe the safety of students is our primary concern and vaping is unsafe,” Bratvold said.

According to studies done by Health Canada, the long term effects of vaping remain unknown, but they have found vaping can increase exposure to harmful chemicals and metals, and can affect teen brain development. Bratvold said the enforcement around vaping is more challenging than targeting normal cigarettes, in that e-cigarettes do not have the same type of odour, and so students have an easier time hiding e-cigarettes from their parents.

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“In our conversations with many of our students, who we found have been vaping, their parents are shocked to learn they are vaping,” he said.

In addition to increased awareness and education in the schools, Bratvold said the school division has also stepped up enforcement through the city bylaw, specifically in the last month. Sgt. Travis Willie with the Prince Albert Police Service told paNOW, school liaison officers will be taking a zero tolerance approach to vaping.

“That includes a $280 fine,” he said in an email. “As of today, no tickets have been issued.”

Last month, Canada’s Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced new measures to address vaping by young people. These measures include a proposal for additional advertising restrictions on vaping and a new public education campaign targeted at young people.

Health Canada has published a Notice of Intent outlining the department’s plans, which provides for a 45-day consultation period with the public, who can submit their feedback and comments.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell