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According to the CDC, teen brains are still developing until age 25, and science shows that nicotine is addictive and can harm brain development. Nicotine can make it harder for teens to concentrate, learn, or control impulses.

Youth who use electronic cigarettes (vapes) are 4 times more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes in the future (Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Subsequent Initiation of Tobacco Cigarettes in US Youths JAMA Network).

Almost Half of Jefferson County High Schoolers 18 or Older Have Vaped

According to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 43.6% of Jefferson County high school students who were 18 or older had tried an electronic vapor product.

Communicate to your teen that seeking help for substance use is a sign of strength. If your teen is looking for support, Jefferson County Public Health offers services to adolescents and young adults that are low-cost, confidential & non-judgmental.

Call Jefferson County Public Health at 303-239-7040 or visit www.jeffco.us/NRT for more information.

Video: Vaping 101 - Tobacco Free Colorado

Vaping can be a confusing issue, and there are a lot of different vaping devices on the market today. Watch this video to get familiar with vape devices and learn how it impacts Colorado youth.

Video is two minutes and four seconds long (2:04).

Open Ended Questions About Vape & Tobacco

How to Start a Conversation About Vape & Tobacco

Adults can talk to the teens in their lives about vaping and tobacco by asking honest questions about what teens are experiencing, either through their or their friends' use. 

First, find an opening.

Ask your teen if they have ever seen videos about vaping or smoking. Ask if they will show you one, and then discuss how the video subtly (or not so subtly) promotes use.

Then, ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• What do you think about addiction? What do you know about nicotine being addictive?
• If your friends wanted to try vaping, how would you handle it? Why do you think people your age vape?
• What do you think the tobacco industry wants you to believe about vaping?
• Over half of Jefferson County students who vape said they tried to quit in the past year (HKCS 2023). Why do you think it is so hard for them to quit?
• 85.1% of high school students in Jefferson County think people who use vape products everyday have a risk of harm (HKCS 2023). Why do you think they believe that?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/vape-and-tobacco/