“A Machine's Not Gonna Stop It”: Perceptions of School Vape Detectors among High School Students and Staff in Northwestern Ontario, Canada

Vaping is a concern in schools. School vape detectors could discourage vaping inside the school; however, there is no evidence of their effectiveness. This study investigated high school student and staff perceptions of vape detectors in a public school district in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Two school principals conducted interviews and students ( n = 58) and staff ( n = 73) in all area high schools ( n = 5) completed online surveys. Open-ended questions assessed perceived challenges and benefits of vape detectors. Responses were coded and a thematic analysis identified major themes. Perceived benefits of vape detectors included helping identify students who vape at school, discouraging vaping at school, and improving restroom access. Perceived challenges included students evading detection and vaping moving to other locations at school. School staff and students within these schools identified various perceived benefits and challenges with vape detectors. Additional evidence is needed for the impacts of vape detectors on student vaping.