ROCHESTER, Ill. (WAND) - Rochester High School has confiscated dozens of vape devices this school year. Now, the district has invested in vape detectors to help crack down on teen vaping.
"We just want kids stop vaping in school. And also, if there is a kid who is vaping and we can get him some help, get them put to the right people, to help them," said Assistant Principal Matt Lauber.
The detectors are made by a company called Zeptive. The devices will alert staff when vaping is detected, most often in school bathrooms. Lauber said vaping has also been causing students to miss valuable learning time.
"Students weren't going to the bathroom [during] passing period, and they were going to the bathroom during class because they didn't want to be in there while students were vaping during that passing period. So we're trying to keep kids able to go during that passing period and keep them out of the bathroom during the instructional time," Lauber said.
The vape monitors will be connected to an app, sending real-time alerts to staff when vapor is detected, including nicotine and THC.
"They also pick up if there's aerosol sprays trying to mask the smell. If kids go to damage them, they'll let us know of that," Lauber said.
Administrators said vaping can be difficult to catch, as the smell is far less noticeable than that of traditional cigarettes. They hope the new technology will help deter vaping and reduce disruptions during the school day.
"You'd be kind of shocked that high school students are excited that they're coming in so it can help patrol, clean up the bathrooms and do the things the right way," Lauber said.
Vaping poses significant health risks for teens, including nicotine addiction and potential cardiovascular issues. School leaders added that the goal is less about punishment and more about prevention. The detectors will be installed during the district's spring break.
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