The vaping crisis among teenagers has increased at enormous rates, concerning health critics that are unaware of its potential effects. However, is vaping an issue here at Eleanor Roosevelt High School?

Teenage vaping has become an epidemic in high schools across the nation thanks to the release of the popular e-cigarette, Juul. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved vaping due to its unknown health consequences and is working to crack down on the sale of such products to minors. 

“To be honest it’s kind of a bad thing, cause it doesn’t really help you with anything it’s just a waste of time,” said junior Muzzamil Khan. In a separate interview, junior Idris Akala weighed in on the issue by stating, “I think it’s detrimental to people’s health, and people probably shouldn’t do it.”

Awareness of this problem has sparked questions as to whether students participate in vaping at Eleanor Roosevelt HS. 

“I’ve never personally seen anyone vaping, but it wouldn’t surprise me if a bunch of people did,” Akala said. “I think it’s probably prevalent if they don’t do it at school. Probably at other places.”

Khan stated, “it’s not prevalent in this school. Not that many people do it. But you will find it in some other places. I’ve seen it…We’re just not that into vaping.”

The lack of apparent vaping at ERHS could be a result of administrators’ hard work to maintain strict rules regarding smoking within school boundaries.

Studies have shown that in many cases, students addicted to vaping experience problems involving increased signs of anxiety, as well as inability to focus in school. According to CNN, Juuls in particular have the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, squashing rumours that the product is a healthy alternative.The notion of nicotine being introduced to teenagers at such a young age is troubling, and studies on e-cigarettes have persisted.