Urging The Department Of Education To Disseminate Information To Educate Students And Teachers And To Raise Awareness About The Smoking Epidemic.
Impact
The resolution aligns with the priorities set forth by the Keiki Caucus, which emphasizes the need for addressing the challenges posed by vaping within the educational environment. Although the existing Hawaii Administrative Rules aim to provide a safe learning environment, there are gaps in regulations regarding e-cigarettes, as only traditional tobacco products are explicitly prohibited in schools. Consequently, this resolution could pave the way for updated policies that better protect students from the risks associated with vaping and smoking.
Summary
Senate Resolution 177 (SR177) urges the Department of Education in Hawaii to disseminate information aimed at educating students and teachers about the smoking epidemic, particularly focusing on electronic smoking devices such as vapes. The resolution stems from an acknowledgment of the rising rates of e-cigarette use among students, with statistics showing 48% of high school and 31% of middle school students having experimented with e-cigarettes. This highlights a worrying trend associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems and their potential health impacts on youth.
Contention
Notably, the resolution advocates for a shift in disciplinary practices surrounding student smoking offenses. Instead of punitive measures such as suspension or expulsion, SR177 recommends that students caught smoking receive counseling and education regarding the harmful effects of tobacco. This approach reflects a growing recognition that education and support may be more effective in tackling smoking habits among youth than traditional disciplinary actions, which may not address the root causes of the issue.
Same As
Urging The Department Of Education To Disseminate Information To Educate Students And Teachers And To Raise Awareness About The Smoking Epidemic.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Establish A Task Force To Develop A Plan To Protect Students From The Vaping Epidemic And The Harms Of Smoking.
Urging The Board Of Education To Adopt Rules To Prohibit The Possession, Use, Sale, Or Distribution Of Electronic Smoking Devices That Do Not Contain Tobacco But Do Contain Nicotine.
Urging The Board Of Education To Adopt Rules To Prohibit The Possession, Use, Sale, Or Distribution Of Electronic Smoking Devices That Do Not Contain Tobacco But Do Contain Nicotine.
Urging The Department Of Education, University Of Hawaii Community Colleges, And Hawaii P-20 Partnerships For Education To Develop Clear Pathways For Students In Department Of Education Career And Technical Education Academies To Seamlessly Continue Their Education In Career And Technical Education Programs At University Of Hawaii Community Colleges.
Urging The Department Of Law Enforcement, Fire Departments And Police Departments Of Each County, Humane Societies In Each County, And Media Organizations Throughout The State To Collaborate To Create And Disseminate Public Service Announcements To Highlight The Dangers Of, And Advocate Against The Use Of, Illegal Fireworks In Order To Protect The Health And Safety Of The Community, Pets, And Wildlife.