VIGO COUNTY, Ind. – Vaping is becoming a problem that more people are aware of.

More younger people are now taking up vaping instead of smoking tobacco products.

The Vigo County School Corporation reports that last year there were 306 tobacco and vaping violations between high school and middle school students. 25% of high school seniors and 10% of eighth graders reported that they vaped just last month.

Now the School Corporation has teamed up with the Hamilton Center to introduce an educational program called “Catch My Breath” for high school and middle school students.

Previously, if a student was caught vaping, he or she would receive three days of in-school suspension but now they will have the option to enroll in and complete the “Catch My Breath” program rather than be put on suspension. Parents must give permission for the student to enroll in the program.

The program is offered by the Hamilton Center and consists of one 30 to 40-minute class a week for four consecutive weeks.

Students will learn just what chemicals are in vaping products, how they can become addicted.

The Catch My Breath program’s curriculum has been around for a couple of years. Statistics show that 88% of children who completed the program say they are less likely to continue using vaping products.