Vape Detectors Installed in NY Middle School Bathrooms to Combat Vaping and Bullying

In an effort to curb vaping and bullying among students, a New York school district has begun installing vape detectors in middle school bathrooms. The FlySense FS300 detectors can detect nicotine, THC, and aggressive behavior, alerting school officials to potential incidents.

To combat the rising epidemic of teen vaping and incidents of bullying in schools, a New York school district has implemented an innovative solution: vape detectors in middle school bathrooms. The FlySense FS300 vape detectors, installed at Lindenhurst Middle School on Long Island, are equipped with advanced technology capable of detecting nicotine, THC, and even aggressive behavior.

These detectors, funded by the Town of Babylon through the American Rescue Plan, serve multiple purposes. Not only can they sense the presence of harmful substances in the air, but they can also pick up on shifts in sound, indicating potential fights or bullying. The devices utilize artificial intelligence algorithms that can differentiate between everyday sounds and those suggestive of aggressive behavior, ensuring that only instances requiring intervention are flagged.

"The device not only picks up nicotine in the air, it also picks up on THC and also picks up on aggressive behavior, so students looking to bully and fight in the bathrooms," explained Derek Peterson of Soter Technologies, the developer of the detectors.

When the detectors sense an anomaly, such as the presence of vape smoke or aggressive behavior, an email is immediately dispatched to Principal Frank Naccarato. Students caught vaping are then referred to professional intervention services, emphasizing both consequences and education.

"There's still a consequence, but now we've added that education piece ... They also have to do a component of research based on vapes, how it hurts you," Naccarato told CBS New York.

The effectiveness of these detectors has already been demonstrated, as two students have been caught and connected to professional services since their installation two weeks ago.

The idea for these detectors originated from Vanessa Probst, a 15-year-old student at Lindenhurst Middle School. After hearing from her friends about the prevalence of vaping among her classmates, she conducted research and realized the severity of the issue.

"I was doing research on it, and I saw the side effects and how you can get popcorn lung, all the severe cancer you can get," she told CBS New York.

The success of this initiative has prompted plans to install the detectors in additional schools within the district, including Lindenhurst High School. The FlySense FS300 vape detectors are also gaining attention in other districts, such as Copiague and Wyandanch, as they seek innovative ways to address the challenges of teen vaping and bullying.

By implementing these detectors, schools are demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for their students. By early detection and intervention, schools can help prevent the harmful consequences associated with vaping and bullying, fostering a more positive and supportive learning environment.