The Edmonton Police Service School Resource Officer Unit is partnering with the University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing to bring attention to the growing issue of youth vaping and flavoured nicotine use in schools.
“We’re seeing a dramatic increase in vaping among teens in junior high and high school, even pre-teens in elementary school are trying out their older siblings’ vapes. It’s very disruptive to the school environment, I’ve seen numerous students get caught and suspended for vaping in school, and this year I’ve seized close to 50 vaping devices with vape juice totalling over $1,500.”
Const. Joshua Maeda, the EPS School Resource Officer for M.E. LaZerte High School.
While Edmonton schools report anecdotal evidence that student vaping is on the rise, a new study published in the British Medical Journal in June 2019 found a 74 per cent increase in vaping among youth aged 16 to 19 in Canada from 2017 to 2018. Health Canada reports 23 per cent of students in grades 7 to 12 have tried an electronic cigarette.
This alarming adolescent trend has also been observed by University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing students entering the health care field, who feel more can be done to educate teens and their parents of the potential health risks and vulnerability to addiction.
“The main reason teens start to vape is because of the flavoured nicotine, which not only tastes good, but gives them a head rush that feels good. But the effects of nicotine and vaping are toxic to a developing brain and body, so we have to take action before the nicotine addiction kicks in.”
Nancy Barnes, Registered Nurse and Faculty Lecturer with the U of A Faculty of Nursing, highlights the risks.
Experts say that electronic cigarette devices deliver higher doses of nicotine than traditional cigarettes, and one vaping pod may contain the same amount of nicotine as a package of cigarettes. The addition of sweet flavouring to vape juice masks nicotine’s naturally unpleasant taste and increases the appeal of vaping over traditional smoking.
Most underage users report purchasing their vaping products illegally from vape shops or convenience stores after seeing vaping advertising at the locations, which contravenes the Alberta Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act. Under the Act, it is illegal to sell to minors, to sell any flavoured product containing nicotine, and to display or advertise any tobacco or nicotine products.
To reduce the prevalence of youth vaping, EPS officers and U of A Faculty of Nursing students are launching an education and enforcement campaign.
This summer, EPS officers will be visiting vape retailers to speak to owners about the problem and check for compliance to regulations. Shops breaching the law will be issued warning letters, and subsequently fined if they do not comply within the given time frame.
Later in the fall, U of A Nursing students will be working with Edmonton schools to educate teens on the health risks and consequences of vaping through a series of presentations and distribution of resource materials.
“Health promotion, and illness and injury prevention, are the foundation of professional nursing practice. As future health care providers, this is a great opportunity for our nursing students to use their expertise and work collaboratively with police on a common problem facing Edmonton’s youth.”
Nancy Barnes
“Kids are vulnerable because of peer pressure and lack of knowledge, but if we get the right information out to the community, we can keep these kids on the right path and avoid future addictions.”
Const. Joshua Maeda
For more information on the risks and consequences of vaping, please visit Health Canada.
Todayville is an independently-owned digital media company. We specialize in helping community groups, local businesses and organizations tell their story. Our team has years of media and video production experience. Talk to us about advertising, brand journalism stories, opinion pieces, event promotion, or other ideas you have to make our product better. We also own and operate Todayville Red Deer and Todayville Calgary.
When you purchase tickets for Red Deer Hospital Lottery and Mega Bucks 50, you do more than just play—you become part of something bigger. You help bridge the gap between what government funding provides and what your hospital truly needs to deliver exceptional care.
Your support helps fund state-of-the-art equipment that doctors and nurses need right now to care for patients across Central Alberta. While plans for the hospital expansion move forward, healthcare doesn’t wait. Patients in our community need access to life-saving technology today, and your generosity makes that possible.
This year’s lottery will fund essential new and replacement equipment, ensuring your hospital can continue to serve the 500,000 people who rely on it. When you purchase your ticket, you’re investing in innovation, excellence, and a healthier future for Central Alberta.
Step into your Million Dollar Dream Home
by Sorento Custom Homes
Sorento Custom Homes, known for their fine craftsmanship, has continued the tradition of building an exceptional Hospital Lottery Dream Home, located at 128 Emmett Crescent in Red Deer’s Evergreen neighborhood. This gorgeous bungalow features 2,824 sq ft of developed living space and showcases a tall, vaulted ceiling.
This outstanding home features a screened deck off the dining room, a large family room on the lower level, and of course, a beautiful primary suite. Sorento’s ensuites are always something to behold, and this one features a clawfoot tub. There’s an office on the main level, two bedrooms below, and a large fitness room that includes a two-person infrared sauna.
Red Deer Hospital Lottery is back, now with a lower ticket price and a whole lot of CASH to be won!
There’s never been a better time to win big while supporting local healthcare in Red Deer.
Step into your Million Dollar Dream Home
by Sorento Custom Homes
Sorento Custom Homes, known for their fine craftsmanship, has continued the tradition of building an exceptional Hospital Lottery Dream Home, located at 128 Emmett Crescent in Red Deer’s Evergreen neighborhood. This gorgeous bungalow features 2,824 sq ft of developed living space and showcases a tall, vaulted ceiling.
This outstanding home features a screened deck off the dining room, a large family room on the lower level, and of course, a beautiful primary suite. Sorento’s ensuites are always something to behold, and this one features a clawfoot tub. There’s an office on the main level, two bedrooms below, and a large fitness room that includes a two-person infrared sauna.
Purchase Your Tickets Now for Even More Chances to Win Cash!
If you purchase your tickets before 11:59pm on April 10th you will have a chance to win one of 5 additional cash prizes of $1,000. And of course, your early purchase will ensure you’re entered to win our Early Bird prize of $20,000 and our Second Chance Early Bird prize of $10,000.
