By Beth J. Sanborn

As a school resource officer working to keep our kids safe, I have seen firsthand the growing concern about vaping among students. Despite reports indicating that vaping among young people in Pennsylvania may be on the decline and smoking rates have reached an all-time low, there are still serious threats to our children’s health. One of the most alarming challenges is the rise of illegal disposable vaping products, many of which originate from overseas markets such as China.

These illegal vaporizers, often designed with youth-appealing flavors such as “rainbow cotton candy,” are not only readily available, but are specifically targeted at youth. Despite the FDA declaring these products illegal, the fact remains that they continue to flood our communities. It is troubling to know that many of the vapes used by middle and high school students are the very ones that have been banned across the country.

These products are manufactured overseas, marketed with bright colors and sweet flavors that appeal to young people, and then smuggled into the U.S. without going through proper security checks. They are promoted on social media platforms popular with teenagers, such as TikTok, and sold online or through less reputable vape shops. As someone who spends time every day working to keep our schools safe, it is incredibly concerning to see how easily these vapes are getting into the hands of our students.

The impact is immediate and real. Teachers and administrators spend more time impounding ships than focusing on education. This is time that could be better spent helping students learn, grow and stay safe.

So why are these illegal, single-use flavored vapes still making their way into Pennsylvania schools despite the federal ban? A loophole in the 2020 federal ban on flavored vapes has allowed single-use vapes to slip through the cracks. Manufacturers have taken full advantage, avoiding detection by Customs and Border Patrol and disguising their products in ways that make them difficult for parents and teachers to recognize. Some of these products are even designed to look like school supplies, further increasing the challenge of keeping them out of students’ hands.

While many illegal vapes have been seized, far too many are still sneaking around, as one pointed out Associated Press report. This underscores the need for better federal enforcement and oversight to prevent these products from flooding our schools.

There are practical steps we can take. States like Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama have passed measures that can help by publishing directories of licensed boating products. This provides clarity for retailers and helps law enforcement crack down on illegal sales. By adopting similar strategies, Pennsylvania could make significant progress in keeping these dangerous products away from our youth.

Locally, we are doing everything we can to keep students safe, but stronger federal action is essential. Parents, educators, and law enforcement must continue to voice their concerns and push for more resources, comprehensive education, better enforcement, and greater clarity about what products are allowed on the market. This will help protect our children from illegal, harmful ships that are too easy to access.

While it is important to support adult smokers who are trying to quit, we must prioritize keeping these products out of our children’s hands. A balanced, careful approach is necessary to achieve both objectives.

As a community of concerned parents, educators and law enforcement officers, we have the power to make a difference. By working together and advocating for stronger action at the state and federal level, we can protect our children from the dangers of illegal boating and ensure a healthier and safer future for Pennsylvania’s youth.

Beth Sanborn, Ph.D., is a former school resource officer and currently serves as the school safety coordinator for Montgomery County, Pa. She is the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers (PASRO) and is an instructor for the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).