| The New Jersey Department of Health would be required to develop and distribute comprehensive guidelines to help schools and colleges implement on-campus anti-vaping awareness campaigns under legislation passed by the New Jersey General Assembly earlier this week. Assemblywomen Shanique Speight, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Carol Murphy sponsored Bill A2195. Under the legislation, the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, would create and update guidance that equips school districts and institutions of higher education with research-backed strategies to combat the rising use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults. The guidelines would be publicly available on each department’s website. The guidelines would have to include recommendations for implementing multi-tiered, age-appropriate anti-vaping campaigns that promote positive behavioral change. They would also provide schools with research-based materials detailing the health risks of vaping, including its effects on lung health, mental health, pregnant women, workplace environments, and small children, as well as comparisons to traditional cigarette smoking. “Strategic marketing and misinformation that downplay the serious health risks of vaping are targeting our young people,” said Assemblywoman Speight (D-Essex, Hudson). “This legislation ensures that schools and colleges have clear, research-driven tools to educate students about the dangers of e-cigarettes and empower them to make healthier decisions.” Additionally, the guidance would encourage the use of decision-making models to help students resist peer pressure and make informed, healthy choices. Schools would also be encouraged to incorporate targeted marketing materials designed for middle school, high school, and college-age populations.”We cannot ignore the growing number of adolescents and young adults who are becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). “By providing structured, age-appropriate guidance and updating it annually, we would be giving educators the support they need to confront this public health challenge head-on and protect the long-term well-being of our students.” “As the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, keeping New Jerseyans – particularly our youth – safe and healthy is my top priority,” said Assemblywoman Murphy (D-Burlington). “Bill A2195 would provide educators with the resources they need to teach students about the dangers of vaping and the need to avoid e-cigarettes as they grow and mature.” |
