IUSD is committed to vaping prevention through education and resources for both students and families. As our vital partners, we want to ensure you have the resources necessary to address this important topic with your children. Data shows that when families talk with children, starting in upper elementary school through high school, they can help prevent or reduce vaping use among children and teens. This article provides information about what vaping is, why students may vape, the associated risks, how to recognize the signs and vaping cessation resources. Students receive age-appropriate vaping prevention information in elementary school through the D.A.R.E. program and in middle and high school through health education. Please take a moment to talk with your child(ren) about this important topic.
What is Vaping?
According to the California Department of Education, vaping involves inhaling and exhaling vapor, or aerosol, produced by electronic cigarettes. Youth and teens may inhale substances like marijuana or flavored liquids with nicotine.
Why Are Youth and Teens Vaping?
Youth and teens vape for many reasons, including peer pressure, wanting to fit in with friends, or in some cases, an attempt to help alleviate stress.
Although California recently passed a law prohibiting retailers from selling flavored tobacco products, kids may still have access to the flavors online or through other sources. Kids may be curious about the different flavored vaping liquids. Companies that produce vaping liquids create appealing flavors, such as apple pie or cotton candy, to attract kids and get them hooked on their products.
Additionally, some kids may have access to vapes and vaping products through family members or products in the home. By storing products out of reach, it can prevent access.
While vaping is more common among middle and high school students, according to experts, some students may try vaping in upper elementary grades.
Know the Risks and Harms of Vaping
Contrary to popular belief, vaping is not harmless. Research shows that many teens are unaware of the toxic substances present in vaping liquids, including formaldehyde and acrolein, which can harm their lungs. Additionally, nicotine in these liquids is highly addictive and can impact brain development.
Identify the Signs:
Recognizing signs of vaping may be challenging, but knowing the signs can be helpful. Look out for vaping equipment like e-cigarettes, flavored liquid bottles, or small pods among your teen's belongings. E-cigarettes come in various shapes and may not resemble traditional tobacco products, often resembling a pen or flash drive.
Tips for Conversations with Your Child:
- Check in frequently to see how they are doing;
- Choose informal times to talk, such as in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV;
- Be clear and consistent about your expectations regarding vaping and other substance use;
- Establish family agreements together for social and extracurricular activities;
- Let them know you care and are always there for them; and
- Continue talking with your teens as they get older.
Vaping Cessation Resources:
The following are vaping cessation resources that may be helpful for families if needed.
- New Lung provides services for those living in Orange County who would like to quit vaping and smoking.
- Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians quit vaping and smoking.
- Catch My Breath peer-led teaching approach empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressures to vape.
- Stanford Medicine offers a free tobacco and vaping toolkit for families.
IUSD Education and Resources for Students and Families:
In addition to age-appropriate education for elementary school students through the D.A.R.E program, students in middle and high school receive vaping prevention education through health classes and other resources available on campuses. This includes:
- The You and Me, Together Vape-Free curriculum, which includes a middle and high school program that is 6 lessons, approximately 50 minutes each.
- Follow-up discussion guides aimed at fostering open-ended conversations between youth and parents or trusted adults on various e-cigarette-related topics.
- Online quiz games, worksheets, presentations, resources and other materials designed to tackle key factors associated with youth e-cigarette use.
To support parent and family education, each year, IUSD’s Irvine Parent Education Program hosts workshops to provide valuable insights and tools for addressing this topic. Please visit this page regularly for more information about upcoming parent workshops.
For more information and resources, visit IUSD’s Vaping Resources webpage. Let's work together to ensure the well-being of our teens.