Harbor Creek High School, like many across the country, have seen an uptick in e-cigarette and vaping use over the past few years. Rather than simply punishing a student caught vaping, they're educating them about the problem.

Students caught vaping in school are referred to a class that teaches students about the dangers of using e-cigarettes and vape pens. They learn the scientific aspects of vaping, the composition of the vape device, the nicotine levels of the vape juice, and the lack of regulation on vaping juice. Students also discuss the documented history of significant long term effects vaping can have on their bodies. 

"We don't focus on just the discipline side of things," school resource officer Joseph Cambria said. "We want to teach the kids a lesson that it's a real epidemic in this country.

Cambria and assistant principal Drew Mortensen said they noticed students changing from chewing tobacco to vaping about three years ago. Both say the class is a vital tool in helping students understand the problems with vaping.

"We'll see in five years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now how bad this really is," Mortensen said. "Education, knowledge, and understanding is what's going to help these kids really make a wise and informed decision."