Dangers and Consequences of Vaping

The Taylor County School District is concerned about the well-being of their students and the impact that vaping has had on our students over the past few years.  According to the American Lung Association has tried vaping and the use of e-cigarettes in the United States has increased so dramatically that the  U.S. Surgeon General has called it an "youth epidemic".  In order to help students and their parents deal with this situation we have provided some resources to help students overcome this addiction.  In addition the Taylor County Middle School and  Taylor County High School have set up programs to give further assistance.

Information and Resources

Because student peers can be the first line of defense to stop a student from vaping or to get them to quit the Taylor County Middle School has a SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Club.  This club meets monthly to plan local events and discuss ways to help combat both vaping and the use of all tobacco products.  

Kohatha Vaughn, club sponsor, can be reached at The Florida Dept. of Health in Taylor County 850-223-5105 if you would like to talk to her about joining SWAT or to get additional information.

We have provided various resources below for you to learn about the dangers of vaping.

Dangers of Vaping

The TCSD has implemented part of the American Lung Association Vape-Free Initiatives.  We have also posted additional resources that you may want to consider.  It is recommended that you talk to your child's doctor before starting any program.

The TCSD has implemented Vaping Policies in the district and we are currently in the process of reviewing them and updating them for the 22-23 school year.  Once they have been approved by the school board we will post them online.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS: Students may not use, possess, distribute or sell tobacco products (including papers used to roll cigarettes) or electronic smoking device or products on school property, at school-sponsored events, at school bus stops or on school buses. In addition, it is unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to knowingly possess any tobacco product. [F.S. 386.212; 569.11] 

 However in 2021, the state of Florida has raised the age to 21 (unless you meet state exemption criteria) so that now  students may not use, possess, distribute or sell tobacco products (including papers used to roll cigarettes) or electronic smoking device or products on school property, at school-sponsored events, at school bus stops or on school buses. In addition, it is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to knowingly possess any tobacco product.

Below are the current policies and Florida's Department of Education Tobacco/Vaping Definition.