E-Cigarettes and Teens: Start the Conversation Before the School Year

August 18, 2025

Teen vaping remains a growing concern across the country—and it’s starting younger than ever. As your child heads back to school, it’s the perfect time to talk about the risks of e-cigarettes and how to say no to peer pressure.

Why It Matters:
The FDA estimates its educational efforts prevented nearly 450,000 youth from starting e-cigarette use in just one year. Campaigns like "The Real Cost" are helping kids understand that vaping is dangerous—not harmless.

What Parents Should Know:

• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development.
• Vapes often come in sweet flavors and discreet designs, making them appealing and easy to hide.
• Even teens who never smoked cigarettes are using e-cigarettes.

How to Talk to Your Kids:

• Start the conversation early—before they’re offered a vape.
• Keep it factual and open. Ask what they’ve seen or heard about vaping.
• Reinforce your expectations and support their choices to stay vape-free.

📞 If you’re concerned about your teen’s risk of vaping or need help starting the conversation, talk to your JCHC provider.

Source:
FDA: E-cigarette Prevention Efforts