Frankfort Middle School was the site for two very special events Tuesday night — Parent-Teacher Conferences and a visit from the ‘Not In My Room’ vaping trailer courtesy of Healthy Communities of Clinton County Coalition.
While the conferences were for both adults and children, the vaping trailer was strictly for adults only.
“This is one of the best ones we’ve had,” said Emily Bossung of Healthy Communities. “The first one worked through Rossville and we had big groups of parents and teachers come through at once. This one has had a steady traffic flow.”
Bossung said the trailer had over 30 different items that teens can find ways to hide their vaping, juuling or other substances from their parents.
One of the items included one of Bossung’s favorites.
“The smart watch is one of my favorite ones to find,” said Bossung. “When I found this smart watch, I was like we need to have this and it was way cheaper than and Apple watch that you can buy.”
Most of the above mentioned products included removable bottoms that unscrewed to reveal hiding places.
“Most of these products are manufactured and designed to get their interest and kind of go along with social desires and atmospheres,” said Frankfort Middle School Principal Kelly Berenda. “We are encouraging them not to fall for these things.”
Berenda said the biggest thing needed is educating teens and parents about what vaping is and what it does to your system.
“I think there’s some misunderstanding about the effects of vaping,” said Berenda. “It’s marketed as something that can be used instead of smoking which we’re finding is not the case. They need to understand that vaping is not something that’s good for them at all.”
Adults were given packets in both Spanish and English describing what vaping is and how the best way to talk with their teen about e-cigarettes.
The ‘Not In My Room’ trailer is an interactive tour that is not designed as a scare tactic for parents, guardians or teachers. It is an educational tool for adults because they are an important person in a young person’s life. It teaches adults what to look for and how to help young people make smart and healthy decisions.
Bossung says most parents are in disbelief about what their children may or may not be doing.
“We tell them where we purchased these items and a lot of parents will say ‘Well, our child doesn’t have access to online purchases,'” said Bossung. “We kind of just smile and say, ‘Are you sure about that?’ They will find a way and a lot of these objects in here kind of show the extremes they are going through.”
Berenda was asked what the school does when vaping products or other substances are found in a student’s possession.
“The first thing we’re going to do is get a hold of parents, have them come in and meet with us,” said Berenda. “Outside of school consequences, my biggest concern is to make sure moms and dads understand how bad this is for their child.”
If anyone is interested in having the vaping trailer make a visit to their school, they can call Healthy Communities at 765-659-6063.