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Dear Families,
As we wrap up March, we want to keep you updated about how we are working to keep our schools vape-free and our students healthy.
The use of e-cigarettes (vapes) is a growing concern in our community. More students and adults are using vapes in and around our schools. Vaping means inhaling vapor that can contain nicotine, marijuana, or other harmful chemicals. Vapes can be hard to spot because they often look like USB drives, toys, earbuds, or even school supplies.
Vaping is not safe for anyone. It negatively affects the physical and mental health of students, causing long-term lung damage and irritation and harming the brain, impacting a student’s mood, behavior, learning ,and memory. Vaping also disrupts class time and activities, and makes it harder for students to feel connected at school
The School District of Philadelphia does not allow the use, possession, or sale of tobacco, vapes, marijuana, or related items at any time in school buildings, on District property, or at school events. If students break these rules (Policy 222), consequences are explained in the Code of Conduct.
We strongly encourage you to talk with your child about vaping and its dangers. If you see a store selling vapes, tobacco, or other illegal substances to students, you can report it by calling 1-888-99-SMOKE (76653) or texting the word “sales” to the same number.
The School District of Philadelphia offers many resources for students, families, and staff to help everyone stay healthy and vape-free. These tools can answer questions, support healthy choices, and provide help for those who need it:
Family Resources:
- Vaping Prevention Resources for Families and School Staff: Find FAQs, videos, posters, and guidance on quitting vaping and smoking
- A video message from Dr. Kendra McDow, School System Medical Officer, on the dangers of vaping
- American Lung Association – Talk to Your Child About Vaping
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Adolescent Specialized Treatment and Recovery Team Clinic for youth with substance use disorder, including vaping
- The Philadelphia Department of Public Health Youth Vaping Resource Guide provides city-wide vaping prevention resources for students, families, school staff, and the community
School Resources:
- School counselors and climate managers are providing the Stanford Medicine REACH Lab’s evidence-based curriculum to prevent students from vaping and help them quit.
- Professional Development Training – Seeing through Haze: Vape Free Schools – is now available in PowerSchool. This PDPH-led training is for all staff to learn about vaping and prevention resources.
- The Philadelphia Department of Public Health Youth Vaping Resource Guide provides city-wide vaping prevention information for the entire school community.
- Vaping prevention program presentations at schools. Connect with the school counselor about how to bring these presentations to your school.
- Referral to student assistance programs and mental health providers for students who need help quitting vaping. School leaders and families should connect with their school counselor about these resources.
Additionally, Parent Family University is hosting two sessions on youth prevention:
May 7 Youth Vaping Prevention In-Person Town Hall ➜ Register Here
May 13 Youth Vaping Prevention Virtual Town Hall ➜ Register Here
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping our schools Vape-Free. We care deeply about the health and safety of our students and community. For questions, please contact Student Health Services (Let’s Talk!).
Sincerely,
Dr. Kendra B. McDow MD, MPH, FAAP
School District Medical Officer
Office of Student Life & Innovation