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Let’s talk about it:

Addressing the vaping

epidemic among youth.

by Jasmine Pagano, Supervisor of Prevention Services
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

aping has become an epidemic among • Social influences: Youth often obtain e-cigarettes from their
young people, with more and more peers. In 2021, 32% of U.S. middle and high school students who
V youth across our community engaging used e-cigarettes stated they got them from a friend and 31% said
in this activity. A staggering 1.63 million they bought them themselves.
students nationwide, including approximately 1.2 • Addictive nature of nicotine: What may start as social
million high school students and 410,000 middle experimentation can quickly become an addiction. Adolescent brains
school students, report that they use a form of are uniquely susceptible to nicotine. The most common reason youth
e-cigarettes. Of those, more than 38% used an e-cigarette at least 20 gave for currently using an e-cigarette is to relieve symptoms of
of the last 30 days, while more than 26% used an e-cigarette daily. anxiety, stress and depression. This may lead to a cycle of nicotine
At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, our addiction impacting them into adulthood. For parents and caregivers,
prevention and education team works tirelessly to inform the addressing the dangers of vaping can be a daunting task.
community of this growing concern. Our team recently completed a Caregivers are encouraged to take the following steps to set their
project in partnership with Collier County Public Schools to ensure families up for success:
every 6th grade student received a presentation on vaping. • Set a good example: Be tobacco-free, ensuring your child is
While most e-cigarettes contain nicotine and are highly addictive, not exposed to secondhand smoke or aerosol from tobacco products,
tobacco-free products also come with risks. Nicotine can harm including vaping. If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit.
the parts of a young person’s brain that control attention, learning,
For free help, visit CDC.gov/Quit
mood, impulse control and overall development. E-cigarette use can
• Know the facts: Gather credible information before the
also impact the lungs, teeth and gums, skin and heart, significantly
conversation. Ask your child’s health care provider for information
impacting a child’s academic performance and ability to reach goals,
about the risks of vaping. Find information at CDC.gov/Vaping.
participate in athletics and make rational decisions.
Talk to your child about why vaping is harmful: Ask them to stay
A variety of factors can attract young people to try away from all tobacco products, including vape products, because none
e-cigarettes, including: are safe. It’s never too early or too late to start these conversations.
• Tobacco advertising: Tobacco companies often use themes and Be sure to create a safe space. Be patient and listen, avoid criticism,
tactics found to increase youth initiation of e-cigarette and tobacco remain open and flexible as your children get older, and keep in mind
use. In 2021, 7 in 10 middle and high school students in the U.S. the goal of having a conversation, not a lecture.
reported exposure to e-cigarette marketing through retail settings, • If your child vapes, encourage and support them to quit:
internet or social media, television, streaming services and movies. Talk to their health care provider about getting help to quit.
• Availability of flavored products: E-cigarettes come in a You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and visit
multitude of youth-friendly flavors such as fruit, candy, mint and
Teens.smokefree.gov for more help.
menthol. Availability of flavors is among the top 10 reasons youth
The DLC prevention and education team facilitates youth mental
report ever trying an e-cigarette. In 2023, nearly 9 in 10 middle and
health first aid, an evidence-based training program that equips
high school students who currently use e-cigarettes used a flavored
everyone in the community with the skills they need to identify and
product.
address concerns related to behavioral health.
To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving and
life-changing behavioral health care to those in need, visit DLCenters.org
Life in Naples | February 2025 75