Douglas County School District will no longer suspend students at certain schools who are caught vaping on school grounds.

This decision has been made in hopes that education about the substances, knowledge about alternative ways to deal with stress, and support from the school staff will deter students from using vape pens and e-cigarettes.

The district will offer a diversion program where students attend classes to learn about the substance use and will have to complete community service as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorado has one of the highest youth vaping rates in the nation.

Sagewood Middle School in Parker will try the new program first.

Students who are caught vaping in Littleton have take a quitting program, are excluded from extracurricular activities or receive in-school suspension, according to the student code of conduct.

In Denver Public Schools, if students are caught vaping parent teacher meetings are called, or students might be required to work on a plan to improve behavior.

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