Vaping Education & Prevention
Recent studies show that there is a spike in vaping, especially among youth. There has been varying information and misunderstandings involving vaping and/or electronic cigarettes. Shiawassee Prevention Network hopes to provide facts and resources to help you become better informed.
GET THE FACTS
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The vapor can contain nicotine and other dangerous substances which is highly concerning because it can cause significant harm to those using the product and to those around us.
Vaporizers/e-cigarettes devices are available in many different forms. The vaporized liquids are available in a variety of flavors and some have an appealing fruity fragrance. Common styles may look like a thick pen, a stylus for an iPad, a flash drive, or a small flask with a round chimney on the top. The devices are usually very small and can easily be hidden on a person or blend in with backpack items. Like cigarettes, stores are restricted by law prohibiting the sale of vaping items to individuals under the age of 18. However, youth report that purchasing a device can be made online or from older siblings, friends, or unfortunately even parents.
THE RISKS OF YOUTH VAPING
The Surgeon General reports that nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development. Research reveals that brain development continues until about age 25. Research also reveals that youth using nicotine may make it harder for school related tasks to be completed such as learning and concentration.
In conversations with youth, it appears that many are not aware of the harmful effects of vaping. Some students use nicotine-free liquid or feel that it is safer than tobacco cigarettes. It is important to know and understand that vape products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, the actual nicotine concentration can vary significantly. Additionally, the vape content may contain other dangerous chemicals.
Learn more about vaping and e-cigarette risks and facts, click on the links below:
- Michigan Department of Community Health Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- Centers for Disease Control Resources for Youth
- The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
- The Truth
- Smoking Stinks
- National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
- American Lung Association, Not on Tobacco (NOT)
- ASPIRE
Available to all ages. All callers under 18 are served-no age limit. No questions about insurance are asked. Parental permission is not needed for enrollment. Youth will receive 4 coaching call appointments and materials to help them quit. They may also call as needed during their quit process. Nicotine replacement therapy is not distributed to anyone under 18.
Prevention information and quit tips. Resources for quitting include texting and an app
Smokefree Teen Website
This site contains fact sheets and advocacy information for adults and youth. This is also the site for information about Kick Butts Day held every March.
A campaign educating youth about the dangers of tobacco including vaping, media and tobacco industry awareness and quitting smoking. Also offers text messaging program called This is Quitting to help youth quit cigarettes or vape.
This youth quit smoking website was developed by the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Department of Health. It contains free downloads, quizzes and a link to their Facebook page.
Fact sheets, games, videos, and infographics designed for teens. Includes information on smoking and e-cigarettes.
This program is being updated for 2019. It is a school-based group program to help youth who want to quit tobacco. Facilitator training is offered by the American Lung Association in Michigan.
This is a free online program developed by MD Anderson Cancer Center. It is appropriate for middle and high school youth. Content covers quitting cigarettes, vaping and other forms of tobacco. There is also a school administrator and parent section.