Youth Tobacco Prevention
Most people who use tobacco as adults begin using tobacco during their adolescent years. Did you know 95% of tobacco users start using tobacco products before they are 21 years old? That's why preventing the use of tobacco products by youth is critical to tobacco-prevention efforts across Mecklenburg County and the U.S.
Youth Tobacco Prevention Video
Data on Youth Tobacco Use
The most recent National Youth Tobacco Survey showed that more than 2.5 million students currently used e-cigarettes/vapes. Approximately 85% used flavored e-cigarettes. According to Truth Initiative, 81% of youth started using e-cigarettes/vapes to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress. However, these products have been shown to worsen mental health.
Any Form of Use Is Unsafe
The rise of tobacco use by youth is attributed to e-cigarette use, or vaping. While cigarette use by youth has dropped, the use of electronic cigarettes, specifically flavored disposable vapes, has increased among middle and high school students. Oral nicotine pouches have also gained popularity in recent years and are now the second most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students after e-cigarettes.
Flavoring in such products make them more appealing to youth. However, vaping and other forms of nicotine use may pose serious and avoidable health risks. Exposure to nicotine in any form during adolescence can lead to addiction and cause long-term harm to brain development. The aerosol from vapes or e-cigarettes contains toxins that are harmful when inhaled.
Help in Quitting Tobacco Use
EX Program
EX Program by Truth Initiative, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, is a free, text-based tobacco cessation program for youth ages 13 and up. Youth can get 24/7 support from experts and other quitters in the EX Community in quitting nicotine with daily text reminders, interactive tools and personalized recommendations. Youth ages 13 and older can get help quitting nicotine by texting “VAPEFREENC” to 88709. Parents and other adults looking to help young people quit can text “QUIT” to 202-899-7550.
Live Vape Free
Live Vape Free is a free text-based vaping cessation program for ages 13-26. Live Vape Free provides 24/7 text support with engaging lessons, quit tips and resources for withdrawals and cravings. Young adults ages 18 and older can also receive two weeks of nicotine replacement therapy for free. To enroll, youth can text VAPEFREENC to 873373.
For parents/adults looking to learn more about youth vaping and how to help, the Live Vape Free program has a component focused on supporting parents and other concerned adults with the vaping epidemic. This online learning program is designed to provide the insights needed for getting started, tips and tools, and resources for ongoing support.
Resources
The NC DHHS Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch has information and resources about youth tobacco use prevention. Visit their site to learn more and download infographics, fact sheets, and more: NCDHHS Youth Centered Programs and Resources Guide.