The Rise of Vaping and of Substance Use in Schools with Jermaine Galloway
- Safe and Sound Schools
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
“The signs are right in front of us — but only if we know what to look for"
–Jermaine Galloway
Vaping and substance use are rising rapidly in schools, but most parents and educators don’t realize how significantly the landscape has changed. In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Jermaine “Tall Cop” Galloway about what’s really happening in schools, the blind spots adults often miss, and how communities can adopt prevention strategies that work.
This conversation unpacks not only current trends but the culture surrounding youth substance abuse, offering both urgency and hope to all who listen.
Below is the full episode guide with key takeaways and standout quotes to guide your listening.
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Episode Guide
[4:22] Vaping as a New Landscape
Jermaine Galloway explains how vaping has dramatically shifted the substance-use landscape in schools and discusses how increased substance use impacts comprehensive safety. He challenges listeners to rethink what prevention looks like in this new reality, and how both the easy access to vapes and students’ ability to discreetly use and conceal them complicate detection.
“You cannot talk mental health and not talk substances. They go hand in hand. [Not] all mental health issues are not based off substances...but many of them, substances are tied in. They are what is helping to cause the mental health issues.” –Jermaine Galloway
[19:42] Prevention Over Punishment
When it comes to prevention, Jermaine stresses that a culture of prevention is more important than punitive action. Zero tolerance won’t keep kids safe; adults have to build trust, credibility, and consistency that kids can rely on. Prevention works when kids know the adults in their lives genuinely care.
“[Zero tolerance] is absolutely not the way for us to go. It's the way for us to make it worse. Surrounding a student with support and intervention, bringing the family in, this is where we [need to go] across the board in school safety.” –Jermaine Galloway
[27:08] Talking with Kids and Spotting Early Signs
Jermaine offers practical advice for adults: start conversations early, be curious without judgement, and learn the subtle cues that signal concern. He makes the case that prevention is less about lecturing and more about listening, guiding, and modeling.
“We have to prep them. Our kids are going to have a friend who does some type of drug. You just play the numbers. Good kids do drugs, not so good kids do drugs. There is no one [singular] stereotype of someone who uses substances. So, you have to prepare your kids that this stuff is coming, because there's no way around it.” –Jermaine Galloway
[34:56] The Power of Having Policies in Place
Schools need to be prepared with policies that look beyond illegal or controlled substances and address the reality of the current landscape. Jermaine and Michele discuss why it is crucial to have these comprehensive policies in place before an issue arises.
“Some schools will run into issues where they use the word ‘illegal’ or ‘controlled’ substance. In many areas, Delta 8 is not considered illegal or controlled. Anita is not illegal or controlled. Kratom is not illegal or controlled. So many of those are not illegal or controlled. If that's the only wording you're using, then it's okay for them to have that.” –Jermaine Galloway
[38:00] Smarter Consequences and Supports
Punitive responses alone don’t address the root issue. Jermaine urges schools to rethink suspension and expulsion policies and instead focus on education, treatment, and creative ways to keep students connected to positive supports.
“You can incentivize things. You can say you will not kick a student off the football team – which gives him more free time to use drugs – if he goes to treatment. And if he's actively going to treatment, he can continue to play. So, the kid will agree to go to treatment. The parent will agree to send him to treatment.” –Jermaine Galloway
[42:00] Don’t Put Your Head in the Sand
Educators and school leaders are exhausted but ignoring vaping and substance use only fuels bigger crises down the road. Jermaine calls on school leaders to face the issue head-on and recognize the broader risks tied to addiction.
“If you [are not addressing addiction], then don't be shocked when a student assaults another one, a student has self-harm, your suicide numbers go up, your depression numbers go up. You cannot be shocked by that if you just put your head in the sand because they're all directly associated.” –Jermaine Galloway
[43:00] Most Kids are Not Using, But Some are Truly Struggling
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but Jermaine reminds us to keep perspective: most kids are not using substances. That makes it all the more critical to identify those who are, listen when students share information, and respond with education rather than just punishment.
“Most [kids] don't use. But the ones who do use are using at a pretty alarming rate and are using pretty alarming substances and are starting at a much younger age.” –Jermaine Galloway
Listen to the Full Episode with Jermaine Galloway
This episode of The Sound Off reminds listeners that substance use prevention isn’t about fear — it’s about connection, awareness, and consistent support. Michele Gay and Jermaine Galloway explain that with the right tools and relationships, schools and communities can protect students from hidden risks and help them thrive.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Status Solutions Network. SSN provides schools with safety technology at no cost and ongoing funding to address their unique and evolving needs—made possible through the support of local businesses advertising on the platform.
Check Out These Additional Resources from Safe and Sound and Jermaine Galloway
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