Gorham High School (GHS) teacher Sarah Drury, in conjunction with GHS social worker, Claudine Emerson, felt that there was more to vaping and juuling that needed to go beyond the allotted school time and material in the required health class at GHS. Vaping, or juuling, means to inhale the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device.

The teachers created several presentations on the topic: one for parent awareness, which was presented on April 25, and another for students to attend during the school day. Both presentations had similar information on enhancing understanding of the devices themselves and their harmful effects.

The presentation included more basic information about the different types of “E-cigarette,” which include juuls and pods, Box Mods, and Vape pens with e-juices, and how to identify each.

Drury acknowledged the difficulty of identifying them, specifically juuls, because of their resemblance to a thumb drive. As far as health effects, Drury added that there is a lack of evidence related to long-term use, however, lack of oversight by the FDA has and continues to create confusion as to what chemicals are used.

Drury also spoke on parental concerns of nicotine exposure and the different effects these devices can have on the adolescent brain. The parent presentation had additional information on “Talking Tips” for parents which included starting conversations, fielding questions that children may have, and encouraging more talking, all of which help the general public stay more informed on the topic and the potential dangers associated with it.