Atlanta Public Schools has a new policy that specifically prohibits vaping.

The school board this month approved revisions to its policy on student use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and weapons. 

The latest version makes a point to call out the prohibition against possessing and using vapes or “electronic cigarettes, vape pens, drip pens.”

The rewrite comes amid escalating use of vapes among teens nationwide.

The district’s policy was last revised in 2013.

The previous wording forbid “the use of all tobacco products.” The new language adds a longer, more comprehensive list of banned substances and devices.

The change also makes the policy similar to the student code of conduct, which specifically bans vaping.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A 1-year-old receives the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine at a clinic in Texas. Of the nearly 2,000 U.S. measles cases reported this year, 93% of those who were infected were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Featured

Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez