Letter: Vaping interferes with daily education

In regard to “The Vape Debate” article. “Fizzy lemonade, Arctic Air, Blue Razz Lemonade, Iced Pink Punch” are all things that seem completely innocent, until they are not. The issue of vaping is one I see as a student at Cloquet Senior High daily. Whether in the girls’ bathroom, a student hiding in the corner of the classroom, or while driving out of the student parking lot just minutes after the bell rings.

One possible solution stated in the article was to raise the age limit from 18 to 21, which I agree seems like one of the better options. The advantages pointed out such as delaying the age of addiction and reducing the accessibility by younger students seem like possible temporary solutions but whether or not it will solve the solution is unknown.

Vaping is an issue within schools and is causing damage to education. With more students being caught every single day it is an obvious problem needing to be solved.

It is scary to think a student sitting next to you in a class could pull out a vape any time and not get caught. Since they are easy to hide some students will do anything just to get their “fix” before continuing on with classwork. This is nothing but a distraction for all the students able to smell the strong odor given off. School is meant to be a place for education and the distractions of vaping should not get in the way.

The temptation of vaping is one I have never understood. Along with that, it is not right for addicted students to take away the focus of learning within schools. Nicotine has become a distraction to students learning and education. Something needs to change the ideas of vaping, especially within schools. It should not be seen as an option.

Kathryn Owens Cloquet