CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — One local school is educating students about the dangers of vaping and using e-cigarettes.
Moody High School principal Enrique Vela is taking an active role in educating his students about those concerns.
“It’s just about bringing awareness and teaching them,” Vela said. “In vaping, that it can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing with that.”
Concern is growing as the Centers for Disease Control continues to monitor the number of people who are falling ill as a result on vaping.
At least 480 people have reported suffering from severe lung illnesses.
But at the start of the school year, Moody High School held an assembly for the entire student body. One of the topics discussed was the dangers of vaping an using e-cigarettes. of vaping and using e-cigarettes.
“My principal always says, ‘If you don’t know what it is, don’t put it in your body,’” Moody High School senior Hannah Ritchie said.
And during that discussion, their principal spoke to them about the change in law, effective Sept. 1, that does not allow anyone under age of 21 to purchase tobacco products, like e-cigarettes or vapes.
But despite that change, Ritchie and Moody High School senior Matthew Cantu know teammates who use both.
"I've seen them in the lunchroom taking a small hit and blowing out the smoke,” Cantu said.
That’s why Vela wants to warn students about the risks of vaping and making better decisions when it comes to their health.
Students are definitely listening and sharing his advice with others.
"I know really good friends who have been vaping for years and I try to tell them, ‘Hey, like it's not good for you,'" Cantu said.
Tobacco and e-cigarette products are not allowed on any CCISD campus.
Students who violate the rules face disciplinary action.
It could also involve police.
