Download STATE OF HAWAII GUSTAV H. WEBLING ELEMENTARY May 8

D A V ID IG E
GOVERNOR
KATHRYN S. MATAYOSHI
S U P E R IN T E N D E N T
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
GUSTAV H. WEBLING ELEMENTARY
99-370 PAIHI STREET
AIEA, HAWAII 96701
May 8, 2015
Smoking Smarties Powder Trend
Dear Parents of Students in Grades 5 and 6:
It was brought to administrative attention that students have been talking and have tried a new
trend of smoking Smarties candy powder.
There are U-Tube videos showing this practice
among middle schoolers on the mainland. We are concerned about the health hazard side
effects of this practice.
Know! the facts to share with your child to help curb curiosity and deter experimentation:
Especially popular among the middle school crowd is Smoking Smarties. The candy is not
actually smoked, but it appears to be, as the crushed candy dust is inhaled and then blown out
to mimic a puff of cigarette or marijuana smoke. The obvious drug reference is the whole point
of doing it, and part of the problem with this “activity.” Youth are also reportedly snorting
Smarties as well. Prevention experts say this practice may display a child’s willingness to
engage in risk-taking behaviors and may be one step closer to experimenting with the real thing.
The physical danger with smoking or snorting the candy dust is that particles (acting as shards
of glass) can be inhaled into the nose, throat and lungs, which long-term, can cause infections,
chronic coughing and choking.
Any behaviors of snorting or smoking Smarties candy powder is in violation of Chapter 19 –
Disorderly Conduct. Parents will be notified and disciplinary action may be taken.
We ask that you speak with your child about the health side effects and not giving in to peer
pressure in smoking Smarties candy powder.
Thank you
Sherrylyn Yamada
Principal
Chad Matsuda
Vice Principal
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER