Know the Risk

A message for students by students

The Oregon City School District students researched, and produced an informational campaign around the impact of fentanyl and the impact of vaping on teen lives.

Understanding the impacts of Vaping

Vaping, a fast-growing trend among youth, is not as harmless as it seems. E-cigarettes and vape pens are being aggressively marketed on social media platforms, often disguised as fun, flavorful, and safe alternatives to smoking. But the truth is far more serious—and we can’t afford to ignore it.

Vapes contain harmful substances, including nicotine, which is highly addictive and can rewire a developing teen brain. Beyond nicotine, vape liquid often includes toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals are not just irritants—they can cause permanent damage to the lungs and heart.

And here’s where it gets even more dangerous: Some vapes purchased online or from unregulated sources have been found to contain unknown or illicit substances, including fentanyl and THC at unmarked concentrations. There’s no way to know exactly what you’re inhaling. The packaging may look sleek or trustworthy, but there’s no quality control, and the consequences can be fatal.

Social media and influencer marketing have made vaping seem trendy and harmless. With flavors like “blue razz” or “cotton candy,” it’s no wonder that middle and high school students are curious. Dealers and manufacturers are targeting teens with fun packaging, social validation, and viral content. Many students say they see vaping videos while scrolling—even if they weren’t searching for it.

What makes this issue even more alarming is how discreet vaping has become. Devices are designed to look like USB drives, highlighters, or everyday items. Because they don’t produce much smell, many teens believe they can vape at school or home without being noticed.

It’s important to understand that most students who vape don’t think of themselves as “addicted.” Many start because of peer pressure, anxiety, or simply to fit in. But the addiction forms fast, and the long-term risks—both physical and mental—are significant. There is also a strong connection between vaping and future use of other substances.

At Oregon City School District, we believe awareness is the first line of prevention. We’re committed to providing students with accurate information, and we regularly reinforce these lessons in our schools. But this message can’t stop at the classroom door.

Parents and caregivers—we need your help. Talk with your child about vaping early and often. Ask questions, listen without judgment, and make sure they know the risks. Open, honest conversations can make all the difference.

Together, we can protect our youth, raise awareness, and keep our community healthy and safe. Stay informed. Stay involved.

Understanding the impacts of Fentanyl

Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic drug, is making its way into counterfeit pills that are being sold as Adderall, Percocet, Oxycodone, and Xanax on social media platforms. This is a serious problem that we can't ignore.

Fentanyl is incredibly dangerous. It's up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. And here's the thing: you can't see it, smell it, or taste it. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates that 6 out of 10 fake pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. That's a scary statistic.

It's important to understand that these aren't the same pills you'd get from a pharmacy. Fentanyl is often smuggled across the border as a powder and then pressed into pills that look just like the real deal. But there's no quality control, and the amount of fentanyl in each pill can vary wildly. Just two tiny grains of fentanyl can be enough to cause an overdose.

Drug dealers are specifically targeting young people through social media ads. It’s almost as easy as ordering a pizza or take out on your phone. They know that pills seem more acceptable and less risky than drugs like meth or heroin. And because these pills don't have a strong odor like alcohol or marijuana, teens often think they're "safe." But the reality is that experimenting with pills is more dangerous than ever before.

It's crucial to recognize that anyone could be at risk, not just those who fit the stereotypical image of a drug user. Many young people turn to pills to cope with anxiety or other mental health issues, while others are just looking to have some fun. But in a world where one pill can kill, there's no such thing as harmless experimentation.

In Oregon City School District, we strongly believe in the power of education. By providing our students with the facts about fentanyl and reinforcing that message regularly, we can empower them to make more informed decisions. But parents, we also need your help. The lessons learned at school must be reinforced at home.

Let's work together to protect our youth from this dangerous drug. Stay informed, know the risk, connect and talk openly with your students, and be vigilant. Together, we can make a difference and keep our communities safe.

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