Sioux Falls kids as young as 8 to 10 are becoming part of a nationwide trend of using vape products.
A new awareness campaign launched this week is designed to bring prevention and education resources to students, families and the broader community.
Called “Break the Clouds,” the “vape-free me” initiative is a partnership between the Sioux Falls School District and the Sioux Falls Health Department that highlights the harmful effects of vaping, especially in children.
“It’s alarming. Students tell us they can’t make it through an entire school day without vaping because they’re so addicted. This is a communitywide problem,” Superintendent Jane Stavem said.
“Schools play a vital role in helping students to quit vaping by raising awareness and connecting families with essential resources. It’s crucial for children to be in school to learn, and with the support of community partners, we can help them break free from this harmful habit.”
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s report in 2022, more than 3 million high school and middle school students had used tobacco products in the past 30 days. Many were drawn to vaping by fruit- and candy-flavored nicotine cartridges to target youth.
Break the Clouds features the stories of vaping truths in Sioux Falls. Along with videos, a website and posters, “quit cards” will be available in schools when a student faces discipline for having a vaping device. Students will receive a card containing free resources to help them quit.
The vape-free me initiative also focuses on the harmful effects of vaping on the developing brain. Researchers say vaping can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control – all integral elements that support learning and success in school, according to the campaign organizers.
“I see the impact of vaping not only on individual health but also on families and communities. It’s concerning to witness the number of young people falling into nicotine addiction through vaping,” said Dr. Jennifer Tinguely, medical director of Falls Community Health. “By providing education, resources and support for youth struggling with vaping, we’re not just treating symptoms but working towards preventing long-term health complications.”
The campaign will appear on social media and public access channels KLRN-TV and City Link. Quit cards are available in all Sioux Falls School District schools. The campaign is starting now so it can have an impact before summer break when students have more freedom and less supervision.
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