What parents need to know this school year to protect kids from vaping

All tobacco products contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm your developing brain.

submitted by Laura Biehl, Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance

As students across Michigan head back to school, the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is urging parents to be vigilant about the growing threat of e-cigarettes. With 14% of Michigan high schoolers using e-cigarettes, according to the Michigan Youth Tobacco Survey, this issue remains a critical concern for families and educators.

“As youth across Michigan go back to school this month, we want to make sure everyone understands the risks and dangers that come along with vaping e-cigarettes,” said Dr. Brittany Tayler, internist and pediatrician at Hurley Medical Center and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “This is a serious concern as e-cigarettes contain massive amounts of nicotine, so kids can get quickly and severely addicted.”

The U.S. Surgeon General has found that nicotine can harm the developing brain of adolescents, particularly areas responsible for memory, attention, and learning. E-cigarettes also expose kids to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and lead, with unknown long-term health impacts.

“E-cigarettes are causing severe addiction in kids, disrupting their education and their lives,” said Laura Lemke, assistant principal at Fenton High School. “We’ve heard from parents, teachers, and pediatricians that some kids can’t get through a class or even sleep through the night without needing to vape. This addiction is incredibly difficult to break, and it’s putting our children at serious risk.”

To ensure parents are best equipped to protect their children from the harmful effects of vaping, the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance suggests that parents take the following steps:

• Recognize the Signs: Watch for changes in behavior, such as spending more time alone or frequently stepping away with excuses. Also be aware of mood shifts, sleep-pattern changes, and unusual scents like bubble gum or strawberry cheesecake, which could indicate vaping.
• Know the Products: E-cigarettes often look like everyday items such as flash drives or highlighters, making them easy to hide and overlook. Some newer devices even resemble smartphones and feature built-in video games.
• Talk to Your Kids: Have open, honest conversations about the risks of vaping. Quick, frequent discussions are more effective than one big talk. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a healthcare provider.
• Set a Good Example: Avoid using tobacco products yourself and work to maintain a tobacco-free home and vehicle environment.
• Seek Support: If you suspect your child is vaping, encourage them to quit and seek help from a pediatrician or trusted medical providers. Resources like Teen.SmokeFree.gov can provide additional guidance.

“As Michigan youth go back to school, we need everyone to work together and protect youth from the dangers of tobacco,” said Minou Jones, chair of the Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco Free Coalition. “It’s time to put our kids first and prevent them from heading down a lifelong path of addiction.”

The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is a coalition of more than 120 public health and community organizations, school groups, and other community groups advocating for stronger tobacco policy and prevention in Michigan. Learn more at KeepMIKidsTobaccoFree.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.