In the U.S., electronic cigarettes (vapes/e-cigs) are the most common form of nicotine used by adolescents. With the average age being 14 when teens start to vape, it is no surprise that teen and adolescent vaping is a public health issue in Revere.
Revere Public Schools recently held a workshop for caregivers of middle school and high school-age students focused on supporting adolescents in decision-making, healthy choices, and navigating conversations around vaping and substance misuse/abuse.
Hosted by Jill Foley, RPS’s Director of Health & MGB Partners, along with Britt Carney, NP Boston Medical Center, the two health professionals said there is no better time than now as caregivers to begin talking to your teens or the young adults in your lives about the risks of using vapes/e-cigs.
“Vapes/e-cigs are unique from traditional cigarettes and have special risks,” said Carney. “Caregivers should talk to their kids about the harms of smoking/vaping and should know what the products are and the effects."
Almost six percent of teens use tobacco products, and use usually starts around middle school, according to Carney.
“One in 20 middle school students and 1 in 10 high school students are using nicotine products,” said Carney. “Youth are using nicotine for a reason. Among those who currently vape, the top reasons for use are depression, anxiety, and stress. So, it is important to identify why your teen is using nicotine.”
The workshop focused on teaching caregivers tips and techniques for starting the conversation about nicotine use and the harms associated with vaping/e-cigs on the growing brains of teens.
“It can impact ongoing brain development and affect reward processes, cognitive ability, memory & attention,” said Carney. “And earlier initiation of substance use equals a higher risk of substance use disorder (SUD) as an adult. Emerging studies suggest possible neuroanatomy changes that may make initiation more likely.”
According to Carney and Foley, the health impacts of vaping/e-cigs are numerous, such as mood changes, anger, nicotine withdrawal, addiction, harm to the developing brain, nosebleeds, mouth sores & redness, burns & injury, cough, shortness of breath, increased colds, and lung damage.
You can read Carney and Foley’s entire PowerPoint presentation here.