Student vaping is on the rise, and today, schools all across the country are turning to vape detection systems across several campuses to help stem the tide. Due to advances in technology and cloud computing, today’s vape detectors not only detect nicotine but also THC and can even monitor sound to detect potential bullying or aggression. Here are just a few ways that districts across the U.S. are implementing vape detectors across multiple campuses.
What Are Vape Detection Systems and How Do They Work?
Vape detectors are designed to monitor and sense the individual chemicals that make up vaping aerosols, including nicotine and THC. When these chemicals are detected, vape detection systems like Soter Technologies’ FlySense, send a notification to school officials as to the time and place where the incident occurred, paving the way for swift intervention.
Beyond detecting the tell-tale signatures of vape, nicotine and other products, advanced systems like FlySense can also monitor ambient noise levels, helping to notify any potential instances of bullying or fighting without infringing on student privacy. Flysense vape and bullying detectors have been deployed across a number of school districts successfully, and the case studies below are a testament to their effectiveness and ease of use.
Case Study: Southwest Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada
In August 2023, Southwest Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, installed FlySense devices in order to improve overall campus safety. The installation included a donation of 16 units by Soter Technologies. The FlySense units were designed to cover areas where cameras could not go.
Within the first four days of the academic year, the detectors led to the removal of at least eight vape devices on campus. According to Assistant Principal Cameron Roehm, “The sensors are very accurate and we have removed at least 8 vapes in the first 4 days with the detectors.”
Case Study: Lindenhurst Middle School in Long Island, New York
Lindhurst Middle School on Long Island addressed the issue of student vaping by installing FlySense FS300 vape detectors in its bathrooms. Because these detectors are designed to sense nicotine, THC, air quality changes and shifts in sound, they’re able to quickly notify school administrators to take action. The initiative itself was inspired by a concerned student and has already helped to identify students involved in vaping, who are then connected with resources and professional support.
Deploying Vape Detection Systems Across Multiple Campuses
There are a number of benefits to installing vape detectors across multiple campuses. First and foremost, incorporating numerous vape detectors helps provide wider coverage and consistency. Students who attempt to bypass detection by moving between campuses will be less likely to vape if they’re aware that the detection systems are enabled across campuses.
Beyond enhanced coverage, advanced systems like FlySense offer a centralized dashboard which enables school and campus administrators to monitor all campuses at the same time. This paves the way for faster and easier data analysis and reporting, so that districts can spot trends and prepare resources accordingly.
As districts grow, vape detection systems can scale to meet additional or changing needs. Whether that means changing the coverage area or opening new campuses, today’s vape detection systems, like FlySense, are ready to meet the challenge head-on.
Concerns to Be Aware of When Installing Vape Detectors
Even with numerous benefits to installing vape detectors, it’s still wise to be aware of the concerns and challenges surrounding them. For example, vape detection systems of all types require regular maintenance and upkeep to keep them operating at peak efficiency. Fortunately, FlySense vape detectors are outfitted with tamper evident systems that notify school officials if movement or other tampering is occurring.
What’s more, although systems like FlySense do not use microphones or cameras, key stakeholders understandably have concerns about monitoring in private areas like locker rooms or bathrooms. It’s a good idea to address these concerns in a way that is transparent and clear, making sure to be open and aware of the focus on student safety without infringing on their privacy rights.
It’s also important to remember that students are forever innovating how they bypass and evade vape detection. Some breathe into their backpacks or flush aerosols down toilets. The sensitivity of the FlySense system can be adjusted to account for even the smallest changes in air quality, making it even more of a challenge for students to bypass the system.
Getting Started with the Most Advanced Vape Detection System
Whether you’re looking to deploy vape detection across a single school or across multiple campuses, it’s important to fully understand all of the benefits and features of the product. FlySense products are designed to be easy to install and set up as well as customize for things like sensitivity and notifications.
Every district has its own unique needs and challenges, and the team at Soter Technologies is here to meet them head-on. By implementing a proactive and complete strategy to handle the increase in vaping and bullying, school districts can leverage systems like FlySense to promote campus safety, enhance student health, and create a healthier learning environment.
We invite you to learn more about the powerful and unique FlySense series as well as our more advanced units. Our commitment to air quality and school safety is second to none, and the products we’ve developed are designed to be easy to use and intuitive. We offer a number of different FlySense units for the distinct need of different campuses, including FlySense devices that work with cellular carriers, real-time vape detectors, and cloud-based vape detection technologies.
Contact us today to learn more about our full range of products or read more about the case studies of our clients and schools across the U.S., Canada and the world. As vaping becomes more and more prevalent in schools, FlySense is here to help school officials and facilities teams to help meet the challenge and protect the health and wellness of every student.
