Highlighter Vape Pens Add New Layer of Haze to School Prevention Efforts
Last Updated: Wednesday September 6, 2023
(K-12 Dive) School safety experts are warning students, families, and educators against vape pens disguised as everyday school supplies after a device disguised as a highlighter went viral on social media.
“It seems that the concealability and accessibility are attracting teens to vaping,” said David Vincent, chief of police for Florida’s Citrus County School Board and a school safety specialist, in an email to K-12 Dive. “We have seen a dramatic shift from traditional substance use like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and leaf marijuana to now everything being related to vape pens.”
While the highlighter pen is marketed by the company HighLight Vape as “intended for sale to adults 21 years or older,” its wide range of neon colors and dual ability to function as a marker make it easy to conceal in a backpack, locker or pencil pouch.