Vaping Issues in MCPS School Bathrooms

Written by JRC Reporter: Kenneth Shue

Vaping has become a growing issue in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). According to Kellye Lynn of 7News, approximately 14% of Maryland high school students are currently vaping. This trend is concerning, as vaping products contain nicotine—a highly addictive chemical with known negative health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Students at several MCPS schools have observed vaping as a frequent behavior on campus. This report focuses on Winston Churchill High School and Richard Montgomery High School, where the problem appears to be pronounced. Multiple students, who wished to remain anonymous, report seeing vapes regularly in school bathrooms. A junior from Winston Churchill shared that they generally avoid using the bathrooms due to this issue. Meanwhile, several students from Richard Montgomery mention that they witness vaping in bathrooms almost daily.

The problem impacts not only those who vape but also other students. Some students report feeling uncomfortable using the bathrooms and even leaving without doing so when the space is occupied by individuals vaping.

In response, MCPS schools have implemented various measures. At Richard Montgomery High School, administrators have begun locking certain bathrooms between classes in an effort to reduce vaping incidents. However, this solution presents its own challenges, as it limits students' bathroom access during these times, garnering complaints from students who must walk long distances to and from class just to find an available bathroom.

Additionally, a pilot program for vape detectors was proposed for six MCPS schools: Richard Montgomery, Kennedy, Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Northwood, and Whitman (Gottesman, 2024). However, the effectiveness of these detectors is unclear. Some students at Richard Montgomery report they were unaware of the vape detectors or uncertain of their functionality. The detectors are intended to alert staff via email when fumes are detected, though it appears like this method may result in delayed responses. Furthermore, Student Member of the Board Praneel Suvarna pointed out a potential drawback: “Typically, they will say the vape detectors can be triggered by things like perfume… so I just want to make sure that’s acknowledged and considered through the process” (Gottesman).

MCPS still faces significant challenges in fully addressing the vaping issue within its schools. While initial measures like bathroom restrictions and vape detectors are steps toward limiting the behavior, these solutions also present obstacles and raise questions about effectiveness and practicality. With concerns from students and staff alike, the issue calls for more ongoing evaluation and potentially new approaches to create a healthier, safer school environment for all students.

This article was provided by Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 25 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.

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Bibliography:

Gottesman, Hayley. “Vape Detectors Implemented in Six MCPS High Schools.” Thesentinel.Com, 8 Jan. 2024, www.thesentinel.com/communities/vape-detectors-implemented-in-six-mcps-high-schools/article_077a896e-04a6-11ee-9750-d36c9df6eec8.html

Lynn, Kellye. “New Data Shows Maryland Has the Highest Number of High Schoolers Smoking Vapes.” WJLA, 23 Sept. 2024, wjla.com/news/local/maryland-high-school-vaping-teen-vapes-vape-statistic-montgomery-county-public-schools-chief-of-security-and-compliance-marcus-jones-md-va-virgina-washington-dc-cdc-centers-for-disease-control-montgomery-county-council