Every high school teacher I speak with says they see students vaping constantly. The moment the bell rings and teens reach the parking lot, many pull out vapes and begin using them.
This generation appears to have largely moved away from traditional cigarettes, but many have adopted vaping—a habit that is not harmless and brings its own significant health risks.
Teens That Vape
When teens vape, they’re not just inhaling flavored vapor. Vaping devices and e-liquids commonly contain:
- Nicotine, a highly addictive substance
- Toxic chemicals associated with cancer and heart disease
Even when an e-liquid claims to be tobacco-free, it can still contain substantial nicotine. For example, one pod for a popular device like JUUL can deliver as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
Many teens assume “tobacco-free” means nicotine-free, but research shows this assumption is often incorrect. A study by the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University tested 517 young people aged 12–21 and found that 40% of those who believed they were using nicotine-free products actually had nicotine in their urine.
Is Nicotine Bad for You?
Yes. Nicotine is highly addictive and can significantly affect brain development in adolescents. It can impair attention, learning, and mood, and may alter how synapses form in the developing brain, harming areas responsible for focus and memory.
Teens frequently believe vaping is harmless, but the evidence shows otherwise. Vaping should be viewed with the same concern as smoking because of nicotine’s addictive properties and the other toxic substances present in many e-liquids.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to talk with teens about the risks of vaping and to approach the conversation openly and without judgment. Clear, calm discussions can help teens understand the health consequences and make safer choices.
Even if you don’t think your child is vaping, these conversations matter. The Surgeon General offers a Parent Tip Sheet with guidance on how to discuss vaping with young people in a straightforward, supportive way.
Have you talked to your kids about vaping?