Parent/Guardian Vaping Prevention Toolkit

Nearly half of Nevada kids aged 13 to 18 have tried vaping.

Is your child one of them? 

What is Vaping?

Definition: Inhaling an aerosol created by a battery-powered electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. 

Key Components: Cartridges contain nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals - sometimes toxic substances and metals.

Process: The liquid is heated into vapor, which is inhaled.

Who Vapes?

• 22.5% of Nevada teens (13-18) reported vaping in the past 30 days.
• Average Age: 15 years old

 

Is My Child Vaping?

Disappearing Aerosol: Often odorless but may briefly smell fruity or candy-like.

Hidden Devices: May look like everyday items such as pens, USB sticks, phone cases.

Special Gear: Backpacks, hats, and hoodies designed to hide vape use.

Warning Signs:

• Increased irritability
• Drop in school attendance or grades
• Secretiveness or new social circles

Why are Kids Getting Hooked?

Highly Addictive: one vape pod can contain as much nicotine as a full pack of cigarettes.

Aggressive Marketing: 

• Ads on TV, social media, and magazines
• Influencers and event sponsorships

Flavor Attraction: Names like cotton candy, root beer float and cherry crush

Misinformation: False claims that vaping is safer than cigarettes

Infiltration: Vape company representatives in schools and camps

Dangers of Vaping

Toxic Ingredients: E-cigarettes often contain harmful chemicals.

Lung Disease: Increases risk of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Brain Development: Vape aerosol harms brain development into the mid-20s.

Future Smoking: Vapers are 4x more likely to smoke cigarettes.

 

 

Quitting Vaping 

• 60% of Nevada teen vapers want to quit.
• 4.12% of middle and high school e-cigarette users reported a failed attempt to quit.

How You Can Help Kids Quit

Start Conversations Early:

Begin talking about vaping in elementary school.

Use natural conversation starters (e.g. spotting a vape on TV).

Effective Communication:

Listen without lecturing

Share facts (e.g., "The CDC says vaping harms brain development") instead of expressing disappointment.

Judgment-Free Support:

Offer help without punishment.

Connect them with free, 1-on-1 coaching and other resources.

Additional Resources:

Nevada Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Coalition:

Get Involved

Parents Against Vaping resources include: 

A quitting guide

Info on LGBTQ & vape

Vaping and the environment