Although smoking has been on the decline for young people over the last decade, there are still those who smoke and use other tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and vape pens. Healthy Kids Colorado Survey data shows us that 3% of high schoolers are currently using cigarettes.
This is a vape pen disguised as a real pen that a school resource officer confiscated from a student.
Talking to the young people in your life about tobacco use can be difficult, but research shows that having these tough conversations can make a difference in their choices to use substances. Connecting with the young people in your life to discuss these topics, whether you’re a family member, teacher, coach, or anyone else with a meaningful relationship with a young person, can influence their decision to make a healthier choice. We offer free Quit-Kits for any community member looking to quit vaping or smoking.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, e-cigarette and vaping use among middle and high school students is 5.8% nationwide, but Douglas County’s Community Health Survey shows it’s closer to 12.2% locally. That’s why the Douglas County Health Department is working to share information with parents, schools and other community leaders to help them start conversations with youth about vaping, nicotine use and the impact they can have on a young person’s health.
Douglas County Community Health Community Educators, Ashley Scollard and Alissa Huff sat down with Jason Hopcus, President/CEO of THE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Arapahoe/Douglas Counties, for a discussion around teen vaping on the Nobody’s Perfect Podcast.
