Episode 50: Update on Tobacco Education in Schools

In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, host Philip Clark talks with Maureen Gavin, a team member at Just Say Something. Maureen shares alarming insights from her recent work conducting vaping and tobacco education in Greenville County Schools.

The discussion reveals disturbing trends about youth vaping, including administrators finding seven, six-year-olds vaping on an elementary school playground. Maureen explains that many children are getting vapes from family members, including uncles and aunts between 18-25 years old who willingly provide these products to minors.

Particularly concerning is how young children are starting to vape, with many middle schoolers reporting they tried their first vape between ages 6-12. The episode highlights the emotional toll on students, including one child who expressed fear about both parents potentially dying from cancer due to vaping.

The conversation covers how vaping devices are designed to appeal to youth - resembling toys, school supplies, featuring screens, and offering candy-like flavors. A local doctor reports treating increasing numbers of adolescents for vaping-related injuries, including EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury). One example involves a 15-year-old Greenville teen who experienced collapsed lungs and was breathing through a tube, yet described it as "a cool experience."

Philip and Maureen discuss the correlation between vaping and other substance use, including studies connecting vaping with opioid use. They emphasize the importance of parents, caregivers, and community members having open conversations with children about these dangers, noting that Just Say Something offers free resources to help facilitate these difficult discussions.

For tobacco and vaping education resources, contact Just Say Something at 864-467-4099.

 

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