Concerns are always present about putting any type of security device in an area of expected privacy, especially within schools. Bathrooms and locker rooms are two of the main sections within schools where security devices are not implemented due to this apprehension. Therefore, students have taken to vaping in schools within these secluded areas, this way they cannot be easily detected.
Detecting vaping in schools has been very difficult due to the colorless, odorless gas emitted by the vaporizers. Though, there are vaping detection products that can recognize when students are vaping in schools without infringing on the privacy of students. These vaping detection devices operate by identifying smells and sounds that are abnormal in a safe and healthy environment. The device then sends alerts to the appropriate officials who can deal with the problem at hand.
Bathrooms and locker rooms are two major areas of privacy where students sneakily vape detector in schools. This has been the case with many forms of illicit activity due to the seclusion associated with these particular spaces. Proposals of placing video cameras in bathrooms and locker rooms are met with disapproval due to the expected privacy of those areas. No one should be watched while using private facilities, especially without their knowledge. Though, the vaping detection device does not actively watch students in areas of privacy. The device simply monitors the surroundings to assure that students are not vaping in schools, along with other forms of improper activity. Therefore, with the use of vaping detection devices, there is no infringement on the privacy of students for the fact that they are not being watched by a video camera. This alleviates the concern of being visually monitored in an area of expected privacy, like bathrooms and locker rooms. Stationing a vaping detection device in these areas would put an end to vaping in schools within secluded areas without overstepping boundaries of student privacy.
Implementing these devices within school bathrooms and locker rooms is ideal for a number of reasons. The first is that privacy is still maintained because the students do not have to worry about being watched. This would also decrease the amount of profiling based on race, gender, etc., of students. Furthermore, students would not be able to vape in private areas of schools with the ease they are accustomed to. Bathrooms and locker rooms have always been areas where students conduct an unauthorized activity, such as smoking or bullying. Utilizing a vaping detection device would have a twofold effect in this situation. Vaping in schools would cease to exist, especially in these areas where the device is stationed due to the adept detection of environmental abnormalities. On top of that, students would not be able to bully others in these areas of seclusion where bullying is often performed. Each device would detect increased volume if there is an altercation or a call for help, and the correct people would be notified to act accordingly. Moreover, the devices do not need someone stationed at the monitor waiting to catch prohibited activity from occurring. Meaning that there is no person constantly watching over the devices and the areas they are monitoring. Nothing is being recorded either, whether it be video, audio, or chemical. The only thing vaping detection devices do is send analytics of audio and chemical abnormalities to report any unwarranted activity. Ultimately safeguarding the privacy of everyone in the vicinity.
