How to Help a Child or Teen Ditch a Vaping Habit

How many young people vape?

A national government survey of 20,000 young people found that about 10% report vaping, making e-cigarettes four times more popular than regular cigarettes or cigars amongst that age group. On the bright side, tobacco use overall continues to decline among young people, and the number of high schoolers vaping dropped from 2022 to 2023.

In New York State, you must be 21 to purchase vape products. However, just as young people have managed for years to get hold of cigarettes, they find ways to access vapes.

Why do young people vape?

There are a bunch of reasons why young people might pick up vaping. Clever marketing, the availability of cool flavors, peer pressure, and the addictive nature of nicotine all play a part in why they start—and keep—vaping. Vapes come in flavors appealing to kids, like fruit, candy, mint, and menthol. In 2023, almost 9 out of 10 middle and high school students who vaped were using flavored products. 

Starting with social vaping experimentation can lead to addiction. Most students try e-cigarettes because "a friend used them," reports the National Youth Tobacco Survey. The most common reason they give for currently using e-cigarettes is “I am feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed.” Nicotine addiction or withdrawal can contribute to these feelings or make them worse.

Why is vaping a bad idea for teens and young people? 

Research with 2,500 teens and young people found that over half of them reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, vaping can present risks to brains that are still developing, including permanent changes by addictive patterns early in life. The longer-term effects of vaping aren’t clear but are thought to include lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

How do you know if a young person is vaping?

You may notice a sweet smell or find e-cigarettes. Unlike cigarettes, which are fairly standard in shape, e-cigarettes come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like cigarettes or cigars, but others look like everyday items such as pens or USB flash drives. You may also notice health signs such as wheezing, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or irritability from nicotine addiction.

Three steps to help a young person quit vaping

(1) Keep Your Cool and Start the Conversation: Avoid reacting with anger or frustration. Approach your teen calmly and express your concerns. Let them know you want an open, non-judgmental talk about it.

(2) Ask Questions and Listen: Find out why your teen started vaping. Is it peer pressure, stress, or curiosity? Understanding their reasons can help you address the underlying issues.

(3) Offer Support and Alternatives: Let your teen know you’re there to help them quit. Explore resources together, such as talking to a doctor, finding a support group, or using apps designed to help young people stop vaping—see our list of resources below.

Resources for young people to quit vaping

We’re here to help. For information and support on vaping to help you or a young person you know, contact LEAF at (607) 432-0090.

Teens can use quitSTART—a free smartphone app that’s got your back. This app uses your smoking history to offer personalized tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you kick the habit and lead a healthier life.

For those in New York State who are trying to quit vaping, there’s Drop the Vape—a free, anonymous text messaging program created by the Truth Initiative®. With input from teens, college students, and young adults who’ve quit or are trying to, this program is tailored to support young people. If you’re 13-17 or a young adult aged 18-24, just text DropTheVape to 88709 to get motivational and supportive messages on your phone.

You can explore other resources the New York State Department of Health recommends at nysmokefree.com. 

#TakeABreath #ThinkBeforeYouVape #VapeAwareness #Vaping #ChooseHealth #HealthierChoices #QuitSmoking #LungHealth #HealthyFamilies #WellnessTips

Sources

Birdsey J, Cornelius M, Jamal A, et al. (2023) “Tobacco product use among U.S. middle and high school students—National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2023.” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 72:1173–1182.

CDC “E-cigarettes and Youth: What Parents Need to Know,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/pdfs/osh-e-cigarettes-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know-508.pdf

CDC “Protecting Youth From the Harms of Vaping,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/protecting-youth.html

CDC “Why Youth Vape,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html

CDC “E-Cigarette Use Among Youth,” https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html

Gentzke AS, Wang TW, Cornelius M, et al. (2021) “Tobacco product use and associated factors among middle and high school students—National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States,” MMWR Surveillance Summaries 2022;71(No. SS-5):1–29.

All sources accessed August 8, 2024.