KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Blue Valley schools changed its policy on vaping, the district announced on Friday.
In an email to parents, the district said it's added "enhanced consequences/education around the possession, use and distribution of vaping products."
The email listed the following as the consequences for the use of vaping on school grounds:
- "Pairing consequences with an online tool created by MD Anderson Cancer Center that motivates teens through interactive components, educates about short and long-term health consequences and supports cessation through tips and resources."
- "Adopting more stringent disciplinary measures around the possession, use and distribution of vaping products on school grounds, (5-day OSS for possession or use on school grounds or at school activities – reduced to 3-day OSS for involvement in the online tool created by MD Anderson Cancer Center). For distribution of vaping products, a suspension of up to 10 and a district hearing will result."
The email said the district is making the changes "due to the serious nature of vaping, and harmful impacts on health and safety."
The district said it also educates students in health classes about the impacts of vaping products.
Recently the Centers for Disease Control blamed vaping for a spike in teen tobacco use and the Surgeon General called vaping among young people an "epidemic."
Parents can also attend a community conversation about the new policy on April 2 at the Hilltop Conference Center from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
