School is out, but the learning doesn't stop at the Guam Police Department's safe school initiative. Today teens got a special visit from the Guam National Guard, who gave an important lesson on the dangers of youth vaping. 

Summer is in full swing, but that’s not stopping some students from learning at GPD's Project U program. The lesson today: the dangers of youth vaping.  Alejandra Materne said, "Today, we learned about the different side effects that vaping has on your body, such as you constantly forget and you have really bad mood swings."

Materne, an incoming Notre Dame High sophomore, admits she’s seen some peers vaping at her school.  It's a pressing issue in the schools islandwide. According to the Guam State Epidemiological Report, Guam’s youth have the highest rate of e-cigarette use globally.

A study conducted in 2019 found that 68.9% of high school students and 49% of middle school students have tried vaping. These teens are learning what to do when their peers are vaping and how to address the situation the right way--without anger or judgement. 

"I’m learning that your body language and your attitude really does have a big effect on how others will perceive what you’re saying," Matern continued.

They weren't the only ones learning today. GPD Officer Austin R. Cruz said, "With today’s presenters, we’re actually learning and being taught the curriculum that we are able to teach the kids throughout our terms in the schools." He's the student resource officer at Southern High School, where vaping is also a concern. "I want to say yes," he added, "I do see it within the hallways at Southern High School. I also have the admin turn in those devices to me."

As an SRO, he’s noticed students find it hard to approach officers in full gear on campus. But being part of Project U gives Officer Cruz more confidence to talk with the kids outside of the uniform. 

"Because coming out from patrol, all I’ve done is patrol for five years. Coming into Project U and being an SRO is a big change. Project U helps with us building that connection with the kids," he said.

Project U will run until the end of the month with other safe school partners.

In the meantime, as for Materne, once the new school year comes around, she'll be ready to start a conversation with her friends about the dangers of vaping. She said, "We are learning how to address situations in those instances so I think I will be able to stop those situations if it does come my way."