Group recommends ways to reduce vaping among Columbia youths

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group is working to reduce the number of young people abusing e-cigarettes in Columbia.

The Youth Advisory Council is scheduled to present its recommendations on how to accomplish this at Monday night's City Council meeting.

In a letter, the group said it wants City Council to consider regulating flavored nicotine products and potentially look into a minimum price requirement.

Another recommendation was for City Council to urge Columbia Public schools to "prioritize recovery over disciplinary action."

The letter, which was dated Dec. 10, comes after the Youth Advisory Council did a survey in November 2018. The survey reportedly found more Columbia high school students were vaping, particularly Juul e-cigarettes.

The survey, which got more than 500 responses, also found a majority of students felt substance abuse was a problem at their school. According to the report, the most commonly used substances included marijuana, alcohol and nicotine.

You can find the letter sent to the City Council below: