Popularity and Use of Vaping Among Teens

With the rise of various vape products, it’s important to discuss the risks and dangers of vaping with students and young adults to protect their health.

Vaping, or e-cigarettes, is a recent trend that can target students or young adults. It’s imperative to talk with students and give them hands-on learning opportunities that show the dangers of vaping, health hazards of using e-cigarettes, and more. Students may not realize the dangers of vaping; we’ll take a look at some of the knowledge and facts to share with youth to educate them on the health risks vaping can cause.

Statistics on Teen Vaping Rates

When talking with students, sharing facts and figures is an important baseline. Sharing articles from well-known sources, like the CDC or WHO, can help them understand from a health perspective some of the statistics and facts around adolescent vaping. For example, the CDC article shares that a majority of students who use vape products want to stop or have tried to stop; this is a great conversation starter to discuss that a majority of their peers do not want to use vape or e-cigarette products.

Health Risks and Dangers of Vaping

Another important part of an anti-vaping educational course is talking about the health risks and dangers of vaping. It can cause lung damage, is addictive, and may have other harmful chemicals. An impactful way to teach the dangers of vaping is by using hands-on learning. Try the Fatal Vision Vaping Dangers kit to help students learn about breathing difficulties, lung damage, and even mental health impacts of e-cigarette or vape use. These activities open up discussions about these harmful activities and can steer youth toward making healthy choices in the future.

When talking about the dangers of vaping, also consider using educational videos, like “Why You Should Never Try Vaping” or “Everything You Need to Know About E-Cigarettes, Vaping, and Hookah,” to show young adults the full spectrum of risks about these products.

The Impact of Vaping on Adolescent Brain Development

Just like any other harmful substances, like alcohol, THC, or other drugs, vaping can have an impact on teen brains and proper development. Studies show that nicotine and other harmful chemicals found in vaping products can limit brain development, impact lung growth and increase the risk of lung disease, and may even cause cancer. It’s important to discuss these risks with adolescents.

Why Teens are Attracted to Vaping

Why youth vape is for a variety of reasons; some may be misinformed that it is a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Others may be enticed by novel flavors or falsely assume that vaping products are flavor and water. Advertising is another key issue; many tobacco or e-cigarette manufacturers target teens or young adults. Talking with your students about what advertisements show compared to the facts and reality of vaping is a key part of an educational program.

How Social Media Influences Teen Vaping

Social media plays a significant role in the rising popularity of vaping among teens, often showcasing these products as trendy and appealing without adequately addressing the health risks associated with their use. To combat social media influences, consider hanging banners or posters around your school or community center sharing the dangers of vaping and facts or statistics around e-cigarettes. Having conversations and open dialog about some of the misconceptions around vaping products, especially ones promoted by advertisements, is a good way to correct any misinformation your students have about vaping.

The Role of Peer Pressure in Teen Vaping

Peer pressure to vape may come in many forms. It may come from social media, friends, or even just wanting to appear “cool”. It’s good to practice saying no in a classroom setting so students can feel more confident in the moment if they’re ever offered a vape product. Educating students can also help them understand the dangers of vape products and reflect on making healthier choices.

Vaping products can be dangerous to the health of everyone, especially students and young adults who are still developing their brains. Educating them with a variety of resources, like banners, hands-on learning, and videos, can help them understand the false advertisements and risks associated with vape or e-cigarette products. Helping them research the facts can allow them to make healthier decisions for their future. For more learning resources and hands-on training, get in touch with our team.