As a parent, educator and troop leader who has worked with youth for years, I spend most of my days trying to help kids and do anything that will help make their lives easier. That’s why I’m a strong supporter of legislation currently before the House, S.18, that would eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products currently hooking kids of all ages.
Flavored vaping products have become so appealing to youth that middle schoolers are now one of the demographics where use is increasing the fastest. And nearly a fourth of Vermont high school students are now vaping.
There have been incidents at local schools where kids smell like that flavored, fruity smell but it’s difficult to determine who has been vaping and also who might need help.
Some parents, unfortunately, have provided vaping products to their kids thinking they aren’t harmful. But let me assure you, they are not harmless. The nicotine in these devices significantly impacts youths’ developing brains, impacting decision making, attention span, etc. The result is ill-health effects, addiction and lost education time for the kids and significant impacts on the schools, including on the classroom and administration.
I work with youth at a local school as a paraeducator. I’ve worked with exchange students for years. I’m also a BSA troop leader for an all-girl troop. I enjoy kids and am involved with them because I want them to thrive. But I’m concerned because I see many youth who are already struggling with other issues such as drug abuse, homelessness and hunger. Adding an addiction to nicotine will only compound that struggle especially as they try to deal with their craving during the school day.
Removing the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products removes the enticement for kids to start, and the element that makes smoking and vaping appear to be cool and fun. This legislation is a much-needed prevention tool that will help all Vermont kids live healthier lives and thrive. I urge our House members to support it and pass it quickly when they return in January so no more kids get hooked on tobacco in Vermont.
These are my beliefs and not a reflection of any organization I’m a part of.
Danielle Witham lives in Jamaica.
