Talk to Youth About Vaping

If you have kids, or work with them, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about vaping, the latest trend in tobacco products. As a parent or trusted adult, it can be hard to advise teens about vaping if you don’t know much about it. Sometimes it may seem like we’re learning about vaping from teens themselves, but we know they may not have the most reliable information. And the Internet? Well, it’s got a lot of promotions for vaping that you should approach skeptically.

That’s why we at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have put together resources especially for you. They’re designed to help you understand the ins and outs of vaping and then confidently talk with teens about it.

Hand

What is vape?

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 and learn how it impacts Colorado youth.

Get the facts, start the conversation.

According to the CDC, Colorado leads the nation in youth vaping (26.2% of youth vape in Colorado vs. 13.2% nationally).1 Colorado high schoolers vape at almost twice the national average. The alarming rise in youth use of vape has become such a concern that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently declared it an “epidemic”.2

Parents and other adults are important to youth: their opinions and support can make a big difference.

How to Talk to Youth

As a parent or trusted adult, you have an opportunity to advise the young people in your life about vaping.

This video will help you start the conversation.

Hear From Other Colorado Adults

If you’re wondering how to talk to the youth in your life about vaping, you’re not alone. 

Hear how other parents and adults approach the subject with young people and share the facts.

Click to watch the video series.

Below are resources to support you:

What are doctors saying?

Doctors have serious concerns about teens vaping.

Visit our YouTube channel to see what they have to say.

Free quit support for teens

In light of the high rates of youth vaping, the Colorado QuitLine’s web, text and phone programs are now available to those as young as 12. New web features and tobacco treatment specialists make quit support free and accessible for youth.

Access the Colorado QuitLine

Smoke-Free Teen, a website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also provides free quit support for youth, including texting services, a mobile app, trained coaches, and healthy tips to handle stress and social pressure.

Visit Smokefree Teen