The United States has a problem with underage smoking. The percentage of underage smokers has dropped significantly in the past 20 years. According to the California Department of Public health, California ranks on of the lowest rates of underage tobacco and nicotine usage with a range between 1-3%. But this does not mean it’s non-existent. The 1-3 percent can be an estimated 1 out 12 underage Americans that use nicotine and tobacco products.
At San Diego High School it is a recurring problem for students to gather and use nicotine products in bathrooms. This often sets off the fire alarms which distresses students and staff. An anonymous sophomore reports “I often walk in to the bathroom to see a bunch of others staring at me. Its foggy and the sweet smell in the bathroom is pretty uncomfortable”. A freshman also who asked to remain anonymous reported seeing an empty vape box in the sink.
According to Barbara Lockett San Diego High School has partnered with community partners and organizations such as Youth Unite, UPAC (Union of Pan Asian Communities) and TUPE (Tobacco-Use Prevention Education). Even with the support of these partners the issue persists.
With the ineffectiveness of staffs ability to both deter or stop smoking in bathrooms they resort to just closing it completely which hinders students ability to use the restroom normally. Along with this, it is debated weather or not student health will deteriorate in time including the question if anti-drug assemblies are effective in dissuading students from beginning a long term addiction.
