FRANKLIN, Ohio (WKRC) – The number of high school students in Ohio and Kentucky who smoke e-cigarettes is twice the national average, according to new data from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
The study found that 20% of high school students in Ohio and Kentucky smoke e-cigarettes, while the national average is only 10%.
Doctors with the American Lung Association are now urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of vaping. They have released new PSAs to address the issue. Doctors said parents can have a powerful influence if their children are between the ages of 10 and 14 and still willing to listen.
They said that in order to have such conversations, parents should understand the risks of vaping. The ALA said children who vape are four times more likely to try a traditional cigarette and three times more likely to become addicted to nicotine.
“When you look at the health consequences, you don’t just have pneumonia, you can have systemic inflammation because the lungs are a large organ; they release molecules that cause inflammation,” said Dr. Cedric Rutland of the American Lung Association. “Then you have carcinogens and nicotine. And if you look at a vape cartridge, it contains as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes, a pack, and nicotine can cause significant damage to a child’s brain during development.”
Lori Limon, principal of Franklin High School, said there were vaping detectors in the restrooms at the former high school. In her new building, staff monitor all restrooms between classes to prevent vaping. Limon said she noticed an increase in vaping among students after the pandemic.
“It started as a fad. They liked the flavors, the different flavors, and they were also informed. That’s what the kids told me. They were informed by the companies that it was safe and it wouldn’t harm them, and now they’re actually telling me that they’re addicted, that they have cravings for it, and that they take it for anxiety,” Limon said.
According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, 9.2% of high school students in Indiana vape, which is below the national average. Click here to see the study results.
Dr. Rutland said that no matter where you live, you should talk to your kids about vaping. He recommended asking your kids open-ended questions, like “What do you think about vaping?” or “Are any of your friends experimenting with vaping?” to get that conversation started.
The American Lung Association offers a conversation guide on how to talk to your kids about vaping.
