2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students reported current use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, in a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from January-May 2022. 42% reported frequent use and 28% reported daily use.

Vaping takes an invisible toll on mood, memory and attention span, which may impact future goals.

Many teenagers are not aware that e-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine. Appealing, fruity flavors easily hide the possibility they are inhaling something dangerous. E-cigarettes may not be as unhealthy as traditional cigarettes, but they still contain many toxic chemicals and metals. They usually have higher concentrations of nicotine than traditional cigarettes and are unsafe for young, developing brains.

When talking to your child about vaping, it is important to take a calm, educational approach. Using scare tactics or dramatic claims will cause them to tune out essential information. Acknowledge their independence and ask them for their opinion on vaping. If they open up and tell you they have tried vaping, thank them for being honest and explain your concern for their overall health. Remember to keep an open dialogue and let them know you support them and will help them continue making safe and informed decisions, especially as the number of students who vape continues to grow.