HALO Smart Sensor: The Solution for Detecting E-Cigarette Use in Schools

Rising Use of E-Cigarettes in Schools Causing Concerns

E-cigarettes, or vaping, have become a growing problem in schools across the country. Students are increasingly using these devices on school grounds, causing concern among school districts and resource officers. The issue has become so severe that some students are even afraid to go to the restrooms due to a large number of E-cigarette users.

According to the CDC, E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth since 2014. In 2022, about 1 out of every 30 middle school students (3.3%) and 1 out of every 7 high school students (14.1%) reported using electronic cigarettes in the past 30 days. With E-cigarettes emitting more water vapor than traditional smoke, detecting their use can be challenging for school administrators and resource officers.

Apart from being difficult to detect, E-cigarettes have also been found to be harmful to the health of users. The vapor emitted from E-cigarettes can contain harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals that can lead to respiratory and heart problems. In addition, using E-cigarettes can also lead to addiction and affect brain development in young users. It's essential for schools to take action to prevent and control the use of E-cigarettes among students to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment.

Halo Smart Sensor

Thankfully, technology has provided a solution - the HALO Smart Sensor. This device not only detects E-cigarette use in schools but also offers a range of other features, including air quality monitoring, aggression detection, prevention of the spread of disease, and even gunshot detection. It provides a much-needed environmental monitoring device for areas where traditional CCTV cameras may be restricted, such as restrooms.

In a commendable effort to enhance student safety, all high school bathrooms in Limestone County, Alabama, will be equipped with HALO Smart Sensors. This decision stems from a successful pilot program at West Limestone High School, where these cutting-edge devices detected over 200 instances of vaping in just two years. HALO Smart Sensors are paving the way in fostering secure and healthy learning environments, demonstrating the profound impact of advanced technology in our schools. For further insights into this initiative and the remarkable capabilities of HALO Smart Sensors, an informative article from a local Alabama news site can be found here.

The HALO Device uses passive monitoring and does not record any sounds. Instead, it continuously monitors the environment and alerts administrators when present thresholds are exceeded. Kristopher Harrison ED.D., Superintendent of Schools at Irvington Union Free School District, stated, "The device has been extremely accurate and has helped school leadership deal with the vaping issue effectively by identifying when and where our students have been vaping. In addition, it has given our school the ability to differentiate typical vaping from those that have THC in it."

If you're interested in learning more about the HALO Device and how it can help keep schools safe, contact us here, or call 618-797-9001.