This is a guest opinion column

As a dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience, the well-being of our students has always been my top priority. Beyond academic success, we deeply care about their physical and mental health.

Today, I urge the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to step up and address the alarming vaping epidemic among high school and middle school students, particularly focusing on the rampant sale of illegal, disposable vapes targeting our underage population.

The prevalence of disposable vapes in our schools is undeniable, and the data supports this concerning trend. According to the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey, youth usage of disposable vaping products has surged by a staggering 2188% since 2019. Shockingly, more than 2.5 million kids used ecigarettes in 2022, with 14.1% of high school students and 3.3% of middle school students falling victim to this troubling trend.

What fuels this rise is the shameless targeting of youth by disposable vape products. Packaged in colorful designs and featuring fruity, kid-friendly flavors like pink lemonade, gummy bear, and strawberry lemon, these products are aggressively promoted on social media. Some even resemble school supplies, making it easier for students to vape discreetly on school grounds.

Manufacturers are making their products stronger and cheaper, creating a dangerous allure for students with limited spending money. A recent Truth Initiative study revealed that disposable e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. have nearly tripled in nicotine strength, quintupled in e-liquid capacity, and dropped in price by almost 70% between 2017 and 2022.

What adds to the frustration is that disposable, flavored vapes are not supposed to be sold in the U.S.

The FDA, in 2020, initiated efforts to crack down on vaping by requiring regulatory approval for e-cigarettes to be sold. However, only 23 specific e-cigarette products, all tobacco-flavored alternatives for adults, have been authorized to date. Meanwhile, illegal products, particularly the disposable and flavored vapes enticing youth, remain widely available both online and in stores.

The normalization of vaping among students is alarming, coupled with a persistent lack of awareness about the harm these products can cause. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned of significant risks, including damage to the heart, lungs, and critical parts of the brain controlling attention and learning.

Additionally, there is an increased risk of addiction to other substances. A 2021 study found that students who use e-cigarettes face academic consequences, missing assignments, skipping classes, and reporting lower GPAs compared to non-users.

Parents, teachers, and schools are working tirelessly to guide students towards healthy choices, but we need the FDA’s assistance. The FDA must take more substantial actions to remove the illegal vapes, specifically designed to initiate kids into nicotine addiction, from store shelves. I implore the FDA to utilize every available tool to protect our children and ensure a healthier future for the generations to come.

Ken Kubik is superintendent of the Madison County School System