According to a news report from Wyoming News, officials from Campbell School District in Wyoming, USA, are set to soon pilot a new e-cigarette detector in two different schools. The aim is to curb the prevalent issue of e-cigarette usage within the district.
The Halo Smart Sensor is capable of detecting both e-cigarette and THC smoke, as well as identifying keywords and even determining acts of aggression based on noise or decibel levels within a given area. Due to the risk of students being expelled for smoking, it is hoped that these sensors will deter students from engaging in such activities, thereby reducing the disciplinary actions that need to be taken district-wide.
David Bartlett, the Deputy Director of Instructional Support at Campbell School District, expressed, “Knowing that there is a possibility of expulsion, we are working diligently to find ways to prevent this activity from taking place on campus.”
After considering feedback from school districts in the state and other states, officials have opted for the Halo sensor. According to Bartlett, those districts reported that this sensor, which resembles a smoke detector, has achieved “great success” and appears to limit the number of students using e-cigarettes within schools.
In addition to detecting e-cigarette and THC smoke, the sensors can also emit sound to alert students that an e-cigarette has been detected and that the administration is on the way, stated Bartlett. He emphasized that the school district is piloting this device and will evaluate its effectiveness before implementing it more widely.
Bartlett stated that during the Christmas break, the plan is to begin installing these sensors in a high school, and added that parents and students will be informed before the sensors go into effect. The programming is very intricate so that administrators are aware of where to go when the sensors are triggered.
If officials see progress at the high school level, they will subsequently expand the sensors to middle schools.
Bartlett stated that the costs for installation, equipment, and training in the pilot high schools and middle schools amount to approximately $6,000 to $7,000. This funding is provided by Chapter 4 grants, which are designated to support various aspects of education, including the well-being and safety of students.
