Hendry County schools have policies in place to protect students and adults from tobacco’s potentially deadly health effects. It is time to review these policies, being sure they address new and emerging tobacco products, like disposable e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.

Public health efforts are bringing us closer to a future where Florida children aren’t exposed to the deadly effects of tobacco and nicotine products. The 2024 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey shows just 1% of Florida youth ages 11-17 currently use cigarettes, compared to 8.3% 15 years ago. Now, we see a similar trend with e-cigarettes: 7.4% of 11–17-year-olds currently use this deadly product, and 15.6% have tried it.

Although youth e-cigarette use has been declining over the past few years, a significant percentage of youth still consume nicotine through e-cigarettes and other emerging products.

In schools, nicotine most often comes in the forms of things like oral nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, which have quickly become the second-highest source of nicotine spreading among youth, surpassing things like cigars, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products.

Disposable e-cigarettes also remain popular on campuses. They are easily concealed and often feature candy, cereal, and dessert flavors that entice kids to start and make it even more difficult to quit.

To address this issue, it’s important to provide students with access to supportive programs that emphasize education, support, and early intervention. If you agree that nicotine has no place in our schools and that youth deserve support, encourage your local school board to review current disciplinary practices and explore whether more supportive approaches could better help students navigate and overcome these growing challenges.