Anti-Vaping/Tobacco Watch Parties Held Across UISD Campuses

Posted Date: 10/31/2024

It’s been a packed week at United ISD campuses as students participate in dozens of Red Ribbon Week activities. In an effort to tackle the growing concern with the use of vaping and tobacco by young children, students across the district tuned in to watch the 2024 Say What Red Ribbon Week Virtual Summit.

Texas teen ambassadors led the virtual summit. They dove into pressing topics, such as the connections between tobacco companies and how they infiltrated the entertainment industry. Our students were shown how tobacco products are subtly promoted in online streaming shows, movies, TV and video games. 

“We are UNITED against vaping,” said Rebecca Coss-Morales, Associate Superintendent of Administration & Student Services. Morales recognizes the dangers our youth face when they are ill-informed or peer pressured which is why she encouraged all middle and high schools to hold these watch parties on Wednesday. “Anti-vaping has been a big initiative for me. It’s crucial that our students not only know about its potentially deadly harm, but the evolution of these dangerous products. Together we can lead this generation to a nicotine-free lifestyle,” Morales added.

Elias Herrera Middle School students host a watch party inside the gym.

During the 2024 Say What Red Ribbon Week Virtual Summit, Elias Herrera Middle School 6th graders also got to see first-hand  how the vape products are designed to increase addiction, the dangerous chemicals found inside the vapes and the huge negative impact on teens' health.

The district hopes that by providing constant training and information, more of our youth can join the fight against Big Vape.