How States Are Addressing the Student Vaping Epidemic
October 30, 2019
By: Erin Whinnery and Damion Pechota
Source: Ed Note
Did you know nearly 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school children currently use electronic cigarettes? Between 2011 and 2018, e-cigarette use among high schoolers increased 78%. Additionally, one survey found two-thirds of e-cigarette users ages 15-24 do not know that e-cigarette products contain nicotine.
The U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on e-cigarette use among school-age children, calling it a public health epidemic and arguing aggressive measures must be taken to protect youth from associated health risks. To this end, well-coordinated national, state and local programs can reduce and prevent youth tobacco use. Examples of these activities include raising tobacco product prices, prohibiting smoking indoors, raising minimum smoking ages and launching public awareness campaigns.