Increase Education and Awareness About the Dangers of Youth Vaping and Substance Use
Increase Education and Awareness About the Dangers of Youth Vaping and Substance Use
The Issue
While volunteering at a school, I walked into a restroom filled with a foggy haze and a strong fruity smell. Inside were several students—only 10 to 12 years old. It quickly became clear that they were vaping.
My heart sank realizing how young these children were.
Since that day, I have focused my attention on raising awareness about the growing problem of youth vaping. Unfortunately, the stories I continue to hear are even more alarming. I recently heard about a 1st grader vaping into their backpack during indoor recess.
Now, working in a high school, I see the problem on an even larger scale. At times there are 30 students packed into a restroom. The smell in the air and the looks in their eyes make it clear what is happening.
Vaping and the use of other harmful substances among our youth are escalating at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021, about 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes. This staggering statistic calls for immediate action. Our children are being exploited by misleading marketing and flavored products directly targeting young people.
To combat this crisis, we must implement a comprehensive educational program across all of Fort Wayne Community Schools. This program should educate students on the health risks of vaping and substance abuse, highlighting the long-term consequences such as addiction and lung damage. It should also provide resources for those seeking help and support for those trying to quit.
We are calling on school leaders and community partners to increase education and prevention efforts surrounding vaping and substance use, ensuring students receive clear, age-appropriate information about the risks.
The future of our youth is at stake, and it is our responsibility to protect them from falling prey to these harmful substances. Implementing an educational program in schools is a fundamental step in safeguarding their present and future health.
Please sign and share this petition to help protect our students.
112
The Issue
While volunteering at a school, I walked into a restroom filled with a foggy haze and a strong fruity smell. Inside were several students—only 10 to 12 years old. It quickly became clear that they were vaping.
My heart sank realizing how young these children were.
Since that day, I have focused my attention on raising awareness about the growing problem of youth vaping. Unfortunately, the stories I continue to hear are even more alarming. I recently heard about a 1st grader vaping into their backpack during indoor recess.
Now, working in a high school, I see the problem on an even larger scale. At times there are 30 students packed into a restroom. The smell in the air and the looks in their eyes make it clear what is happening.
Vaping and the use of other harmful substances among our youth are escalating at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021, about 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes. This staggering statistic calls for immediate action. Our children are being exploited by misleading marketing and flavored products directly targeting young people.
To combat this crisis, we must implement a comprehensive educational program across all of Fort Wayne Community Schools. This program should educate students on the health risks of vaping and substance abuse, highlighting the long-term consequences such as addiction and lung damage. It should also provide resources for those seeking help and support for those trying to quit.
We are calling on school leaders and community partners to increase education and prevention efforts surrounding vaping and substance use, ensuring students receive clear, age-appropriate information about the risks.
The future of our youth is at stake, and it is our responsibility to protect them from falling prey to these harmful substances. Implementing an educational program in schools is a fundamental step in safeguarding their present and future health.
Please sign and share this petition to help protect our students.
112
The Decision Makers
Petition created on March 5, 2026