Vaping Is ‘Everywhere’ in Schools—Sparking a Bathroom Surveillance Boom

The article highlights the widespread prevalence of vaping among high school students across the United States, illustrating how nicotine addiction has become deeply embedded in youth culture and social dynamics. Through personal stories like that of Laila Gutierrez, a Phoenix freshman who replaced self-harm with vaping, the piece reveals how many teens turn to nicotine as a coping mechanism for emotional distress or social pressure. Vaping is not only an addiction but also a social currency that influences friend groups and status, often beginning before students reach the legal age to purchase such products. In response to the surge in vaping, schools have increasingly deployed technological solutions, particularly vape detectors installed in bathrooms—traditional hotspots for smoking and vaping. These devices monitor air quality and generate alerts to identify vaping incidents, leading to a significant rise in disciplinary actions. However, the article points out that these surveillance measures are controversial, with critics arguing they invade student privacy and fail to address the root causes of vaping. Instead, youth advocates and experts suggest that resources would be better