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    Easily recognized as one of the most popular substance use trends among teens, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar devices commonly known as “vapes”. These devices contain flavored e-liquids, nicotine and/or cannabis (marijuana).

    Although initially created to help existing smokers quit, enticing flavors such as mango, mint and tutti frutti have attracted young people and non-smokers to the products. Their popularity has by far eclipsed that of smoking cigarettes among today’s adolescents.

    But, it’s important to know that vapes are not safe. Thousands of illnesses and even several dozen deaths have been linked to their use.

    Call to Action
    A guide for parents

    Understand its appeal to youth, what research has to say about the risks, and what you can do to prevent your child from using vape products. Guia disponible en Espanol.

    Download PDF

    Vaping 101

    According to the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey, 1 in 5 high school students reported used of vapes in the past month. With ample advertising geared toward teens and young adults, the availability of brightly colored vape pens and thousands of flavors to choose from, the expectation is that growth will continue. To help counter-balance the manipulative and deceptive messages and misinformation being directed at teens, parents should be prepared to answer the big questions their kids may have about the practice.

    Some people have been led to believe that vaping is completely safe, but there are significant risks to be aware of – especially for young people. Read More
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    What you need to know about the wave of severe lung injuries, illnesses and deaths associated with vaping. Read More
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    Parents and caregivers should be concerned about the risks teenagers and young adults face when they vape marijuana. Read More
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    Preventing & addressing

    Vaping is serious and worthy of concern. Just about all vape products contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, and the negative health effects are broad and can be serious. The vast majority of people with nicotine addiction started using a nicotine product before age 21.

    Despite this, a recent survey of parents of middle and high school students found that 40% said that they were not at all concerned about their own child’s use of vape products. If you believe your child may try, has tried them or is using them regularly, it is definitely an issue worth addressing.

    Here are some clues to look out for if you suspect that your child may be vaping. Read More
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    What school professionals needs to know to help protect children, teens and young adults. A PowerPoint presentation is also available.
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    What health care professionals need to know to help protect children, teens and young adults. A PowerPoint presentation is also available.
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    If you have previously asked your child to quit or cut back without the result you’d hoped for, the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 present a good opportunity to try again. Read More
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    Last Updated

    October 2023