The overview
According to district officials, NEISD has taken a multilayer approach to combat vaping and addiction. These include launching the Escape the Vape website in 2019, educational sessions for students, counseling for substance addicted students, guest speakers, and family specialists and family engagement liaisons.
Currently, there isn’t a law or ordinance that restricts vape shops from opening near schools, NEISD Superintendent San Maika said. These vape shops are not just across from high schools but also elementary schools.
Legal measures to reduce vaping include:
- Must be 21 years old to purchase
- Retail shops may not post advertisements within 1,000 feet of a church or school
- Retail shop must verify age in-store
- Vending machines require age verification
- Possession of THC products is a state jail felony
- Mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program for students caught with e-cigarettes or THC vapes
District officials encouraged parents to learn more about vaping culture through the district’s outreach programs.
District officials said there's a common theme with vaping culture where companies design vapes to be disguised, and that it’s very important for parents to learn how to recognize these vapes for what they are.
Upcoming parent educational sessions
- Sept. 16: Choose to Refuse Drugs
- Oct. 10: Not a Flash drive
- Nov. 12: Choose to Refuse Drugs
- Nov. 18: Alcohol Education
