Two teenagers in St. Clair Township, Pennsylvania, were arrested after they posted a video of a two-year-old vaping.
The clip showed the toddler coughing after inhaling from a vape pen while two teenage girls were heard laughing in the background. The teenagers allegedly posted the video to Snapchat, where it was reported to law enforcement.
According to authorities, a 17-year-old was babysitting the child when the incident was filmed. An 18-year-old was also present in the home when the video was filmed.
Police notified the child’s parents of the incident and explained that the two teenagers would face charges for endangering the welfare of a child. The mother, however, felt the situation was “blown way out of proportion,” saying that she believed the babysitter “made a mistake.”
The toddler did not need to have any medical treatment following the incident, but authorities said they are taking the situation seriously and have contacted child protective services. State Trooper Cliff Greenfield added, “We are taking this seriously, and there will be consequences for this.”
He added, “This is definitely something that is not to be laughed at. The child was in their care, and the 17-year-old was charged with babysitting that child and certainly violated that duty of care.”
The Trump administration has railed against vaping, especially when it comes to limiting children’s access to electronic cigarettes. Congress recently raised the age to buy cigarettes and vaping products from 18 to 21 to help prevent younger people from accessing the product. President Trump has also worked to ban fruity flavors for vaping products, which the administration claims are too tempting for children.
