E-Cigarette Use Among Youth: A Growing Concern for Parents, Teachers, and Coaches

As students head back to school, it's essential for parents, teachers, administrators, and coaches to be aware of the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2020. The use of these devices poses significant health risks, particularly for adolescent brain development, which continues into the mid-20s.

Key Takeaways:

• E-cigarette use is a significant concern among youth, with about 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students reporting use in 2020.
• Nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in e-cigarettes, can harm adolescent brain development and lead to nicotine addiction, reduced impulse control, mood disorders, and poor attention and thinking skills.
• Many youth who use e-cigarettes also smoke regular cigarettes or use other tobacco products, increasing the risk for future addiction to other drugs.
• In 2020, about 3.6 million US youth reported current e-cigarette use, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students.
• The majority of e-cigarette users (8 in 10) reported using flavored products, which make the addictive product more appealing to kids.
• Parents and teachers should model healthy behavior by not using tobacco products and ensure youth are not exposed to secondhand emissions.
• The CDC recommends seeking free support for quitting tobacco products, including quit coaching, a quit plan, educational materials, and referrals to local resources.

Statistics:

• 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2020 (CDC, 2020).
• 3.6 million US youth reported current e-cigarette use in 2020 (CDC, 2020).
• E-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among US middle and high school students in 2020 (CDC, 2020).
• 1 in 5 high school students and nearly 1 in 10 middle school students who used e-cigarettes reported using them every day in 2020 (CDC, 2020).
• 8 in 10 middle and high school students who used e-cigarettes reported using flavored products in 2020 (CDC, 2020).

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). E-cigarette use among youth and young adults: A review of the literature.