In this episode of Talking Classrooms: Educational Communication and Reflection, host Bulelani Marwanqana dives into the growing issue of vaping among students and the hidden trap of nicotine addiction.

Drawing from his own real-life struggle with smoking back in 2013, Bulelani unpacks how addiction silently grips the mind and body — how even the smell of cigarette smoke could pull him back in until he made the difficult decision to distance himself from his smoking crew. His story highlights an important truth: you can’t outsmart addiction.

This conversation goes beyond the smoke clouds and fruity flavors of vape pens to examine how nicotine dependence affects focus, learning, and mental health in classrooms today. Bulelani also reflects on solutions — from awareness and supportive environments to reshaping peer influence — offering a message of hope for students, parents, and teachers alike.

🎙 Tune in to learn how we can protect young people, confront addiction head-on, and create healthier classrooms together.