Nicotine and Vaping
Nicotine
Over the past decade, the introduction of electronic cigarettes (vapes) has created a surge in youth nicotine use. Vape devices are available in many shapes, sizes, and colors that make them easy to conceal and difficult for parents to recognize. Vape liquids come in flavors that appeal to young users and the vape industry reaps the benefit of underage users who become addicted and turn into life-long customers. This page contains information to help you understand the risks our children are facing today and what you, as a parent, caregiver, or concerned member of the community can do to support a healthy environment for the youth and families in Lake Orion and Oxford.
Underage Use - What Parents Need to Know
Risk Factors
-
Family members that smoke.
-
Lack of supervision.
-
Living in an area with a lot of vaping outlets.
-
Not participating in after school activities.
-
Being sensation seeking.
-
Lack of knowledge about the risks associated with vaping.
-
Marketing toward youth.
-
Have false belief it relieves stress and anxiety.
-
Vaping products can be easily disguised.
-
Addictive personality.
Mental Effects
-
Cognitive problems, such as problems with attention, concentration, problem-solving, learning, and memory.
-
Performance issues at school or work.
-
A greater likelihood of dropping out of school.
-
Poor decision-making and judgment.
-
Irritability.
-
Relationship problems.
-
Overall lower life satisfaction.
-
Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
-
Higher levels of ADHD.
Warning Signs
-
Unusual items- Check backpacks and bedrooms for unfamiliar or suspicious items. Vape devices can be disguised as highlighters, watches, USBs, or other everyday items.
-
Behavioral changes- Nicotine can affect the prefrontal cortex of the adolescent brain. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for controlling emotions, making decisions, and regulating impulses. Warning signs in behavior like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or impulsivity could be a sign of nicotine use.
-
New smells- Nicotine vapes come in many various flavors. Be mindful of new smells on your child that are sweet, fruity, or minty.
Physical Effects
-
Shortness of breath.
-
Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
-
Dehydration.
-
Nosebleeds and mouth sores.
-
Headaches.
-
Adolescent brain development issues.
-
Loss of appetite.
-
Coughing.
Industry Marketing and Youth Targeting
Cigarette companies have always recognized youth as their “replacement generation” and have employed a myriad of strategies and tactics to target, attract and addict them to tobacco products. Right from the start, e-cigarette companies took their tactics straight from Big Tobacco’s playbook – and now we’re seeing the same thing with vaping devices and nicotine pouches.​
​
-
Similar Techniques- Tobacco companies use the same tactics to hook youth on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that they used to hook youth on cigarettes.
-
Flavors- Almost 90% of middle and high school students who vape reported using flavored e-cigarettes, with the top four flavors being fruit, candy/dessert/other sweets, mint and menthol.
-
Advertising- Over 75% of students in 2022 reported seeing tobacco ads on TV. Over 73% of students who use social media specifically reported seeing e-cigarette–related content.
-
Corporate Sponsorships- E-cigarette companies use corporate sponsorships, like auto racing, to showcase their companies and brands.
-
False Advertising- E-cigarette companies have falsely advertised that their products are less harmful.
-
Ease of Access- Online sales easily allow youth to pose as adults to access e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
-
Easily Disguised- Not only are e-cigarette products designed to be discrete, they now can look like everyday items such as children’s toys, video games or cell phones.
Nicotine Delivery
In the slideshow below, we have highlighted some of the more common methods in which nicotine is consumed. Please swipe through the following slides for images and relevant information.
Policies and Laws
-
It is illegal to purchase, possess, or consume any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes if under the age of 21.
-
It is prohibited to sell or distribute e-cigarettes, e-liquids, or other ENDS without a health warning statement on the package.
-
Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all government workplaces, private workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, restaurants, bars (except in cigar bars), retail stores and recreational/cultural facilities.
-
Smoking and vaping restrictions are required in casinos/gaming establishments (tribal establishments are exempt).
-
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in the state’s Third Judicial Circuit Court, on streetcars and street railway stations, and on child care center property and in homes and vehicles used to transport children in care when in operation for child care.
What Can Parents Do?
You can play a significant role in protecting your child from the dangers of vaping and nicotine dependence. Maintain an open line of communication with your child, and use the tips and suggestions below as a framework for having a productive conversation.
​
Before You Talk
-
​Know the Facts- Misinformation about vaping is everywhere. Two thirds of teens don’t even realize that e-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine. Before the conversation, get comfortable with the key dangers and potential motivations for kids to vape. You may not feel like an expert, and that’s okay. Expressing care and concern is one of the best ways to support your child.
-
Take an open and calm approach- As you talk to your child, avoid judgment or frustration. Kids may pick up on your tone and tune out or react defensively. An open conversation will disarm the notion that this is a lecture. It will also provide a relaxed environment to discuss ideas without making them feel like they are being blamed or in trouble.
-
Find the right time and place- Pick a calm moment that is distraction free. Asking your child about vaping when it is already top of the mind gives you a non-confrontational way to learn about your child’s awareness, interest and involvement without defensiveness.
​
While You're Talking
-
Ask for their perspective- Hear their side of the story first. It’s good to know what they find appealing or unappealing about it. If they’re interested in trying it, ask why. Ask them open-ended questions rather than yes or no questions. This will help them open up, be engaged and be less defensive.
-
Be ready to hear that your child may have vaped- A much higher percentage of children have tried vaping than most parents recognize. There is a distinct possibility that your child has experimented with vaping.
Make sure to start by thanking them for being honest. This is key for continuing an open conversation and relationship of trust. Explain that your motivation is protecting and caring for them. -
Avoid scare tactics- It’s good to share your concerns, but don’t make the mistake of losing your child’s attention with dramatic claims. Equating vaping with other temptations or illegal drugs actually reduces your credibility and chances of connecting with them.
​
After You Talk
-
Say thank you- Let your child know that you appreciate them for listening, for their honesty and for continuing to make the right decisions. Ending the conversation on a note of trust will make it easier for them to talk to you when they have questions or need advice.
-
Help your child manage peer pressure- One of the largest motivating factors of youth vaping is influence from friends or classmates. Consider rehearsing or role playing to give your child the social tools to refuse tobacco products. Offer some quick facts or an anecdote that they may feel comfortable sharing.
-
Follow Up- This isn’t a one-time conversation. Even if everything goes well, over time there will be new curiosities, product developments and research findings. Make sure to leave lines of communication open. Fact sharing is a great way to reintroduce the conversation topic.
Who to Call
-
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
-
Orion Area Youth Assistance: 248-693-6878
-
Oxford Area Youth Assistance: 248-460-7011
-
The Truth Initiative EX Program- Visit the Truth Initiative to sign up for the EX Program text quit line that offers daily texts full of tips, advice, and support.
-
SmokefreeTXT for teens- This program is for teens aged 13-17 in the United States who are ready to quit smoking. This program is offered by the National Cancer Institute’s Smokefree.gov. Text QUIT to 47848.