Lincoln Unified School District Installs Sensors to Stop Vaping in Restrooms

STOCKTON – The Lincoln Unified School District in Stockton is intensifying its efforts to combat student vaping and cell phone use this academic year. Senior Gabriella Ponce highlighted the prevalence of vaping among students, stating, "Honestly it would come in handy because practically every student in Lincoln smokes." In response, the district has installed vape sensors in restrooms at its two high school campuses, which detect vapor emissions and alert administrators when certain thresholds are met. The initiative aims to address concerns from students who feel unsafe using restrooms due to large groups vaping inside. Barbara Powell, a concerned grandparent, emphasized the need for disciplinary measures, stating, "If they are not going to get discipline for it, they're not going to stop." The district's policy mandates that first-time offenders will participate in a six-week on-campus substance abuse program, although some students, like Ponce, question the effectiveness of such interventions. Continued violations will lead to escalating consequences, including detention, suspension, and potentially expulsion for repeat offenders. While school officials, including Dextrace, assert that these measures are intended to enhance safety, students express skepticism about their effectiveness, suggesting that students may simply become more discreet in their vaping habits. As the school year progresses, Dextrace reported that multiple students have already been caught by the new sensors and placed in substance abuse groups. Currently, the sensors are limited to high school campuses, but there are plans to consider their expansion to middle schools in the future.