Youth Vaping Information & Resources
According to a recent advisory from the US Surgeon General, “E-cigarette use among youth has skyrocketed in the past year at a rate of epidemic proportions.” This is not only a national problem. Among VT high school youth, the rate of use of electronic vaping devices increased more than 73% between 2015 and 2019. Youth exposed to nicotine at an early age are more likely to become addicted to both nicotine and other substances. Research shows that youth who use these products are more likely to transition to using combustible (traditional) cigarettes.
Nicotine and Cannabis Use Disorder (addiction) are a lifelong battle, with expensive and grave consequences. 90% of the people who develop a Substance Use Disorder started using substances before they were 18. Delaying use while the brain is still developing is important.
Parents and caregivers have an important role in changing this public health epidemic. Here are a few ways to help:
Learn about the different shapes and types of e-cigarettes and the risks of all forms of e-cigarette use for young people.
Role model for your kids a tobacco and vape-free life. If you use these products, it’s never too late to quit. Talk to a healthcare professional about quitting. For free help quitting tobacco (including patches, gum and lozenges) visit 802quits.org/ or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. To reduce or quit use of other substances there is help at vthelplink.org.
Adopt tobacco-free rules, including electronic vapor products, in your home and vehicle.
Talk to your child or teen about why vaping and other substance use is harmful for them and their developing brain. Let them know your expectations for not using and how you will help them. Below are links to a few tools for having the conversation:
Talk With Your Teen About E-cigarettes – a tip sheet from the Surgeon General’s Office.
A Vaping Guide for Parents – information and tips for talking from Partnership to End Addiction
Set up an appointment with your child’s health care provider or school nurse so that they can hear from a medical professional about the health risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Get them help – If your child is vaping or using other substances, there are trained drug & alcohol counseling staff in the school district who can help. Contact:
Hunt Middle School: Sunnie Lobdell – slobdell@bsdvt.org or 802-865-5378
EMS Middle School: Angela Halsted (available Mon-Wed)- ahalsted@bsdvt.org or 864-8486 ext. 41010
Burlington High School: Ryan Nest – rnest@bsdvt.org or 864-8581
To learn more about the teen vaping trend check out these additional resources:
VT Department of Health – data brief on Electronic Vapor Product Use Among Vermont High School Students
This 2 minute video is a great quick way to understand what an e-cigarette is.
US Surgeon General – Know the Facts website
Video from Burlington Pediatric Pulmonologist and parent, Dr. L.E. Faricy talking about vaping devices and their impact on young lungs.
ParentIN Burlington – a resource for parents and caregivers focused on THIS community. Join our social media pages to get access to the latest research, tips, and local events to support your teens to make healthy decisions.
Resources for youth:
Unhyped – VT campaign to help teens understand how the tobacco industry is targeting them.
My Life, My Quit – a wonderful free resource for Vermont teens ages 12-17 who want help quitting any form of tobacco. Youth can TEXT/CALL 855.891.9989 or CHAT ONLINE at mylifemyquit.com with a trained Coach.
