Nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. Because the brain is still developing until about age 25, youth and young adult exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction and disrupt attention and learning. No amount of nicotine is safe for youth.
Over one in five of Minnesota high school students who has tried e-cigarettes has never tried any conventional tobacco products, like cigarettes or chew. Recent evidence suggests that, compared to youth who have never used them, youth who have tried e-cigarettes are much more likely to start smoking in the future.
Talk to your kids about the dangers of e-cigarette use.
Parents, know the risks of tobacco use and the different types of products kids are using. E-cigarettes are the most commonly used commercial tobacco product among youth, and nearly all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Talk to your kids about these risks and set firm expectations that they do not use any type of commercial tobacco product, including e-cigarettes and vapes. Understand that e-cigarette use, commonly called vaping, is not harmless. Read more on Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage: E-cigarettes and Vaping: Resources for Parents, https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/tobacco/ecigarettes/parents.html
My Life, My Quit™ is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or click to chat with a coach. We are here for you every step of the way. Explore the My Life, My Quit™ webpage:
https://www.mylifemyquit.com/en-us/
Read more on Wabasha County SHIP’s webpage: https://wabashacountyship.org/tobacco-free-strategy/#ecigyouth2025
Healthy students are better learners and people with higher levels of education are more likely to be healthier and live longer. If you’d like to learn about partnering with Wabasha County SHIP, email Tina Moen, SHIP Coordinator at tmoen@co.wabasha.mn.us or call 651-565-5200.
SHIP is a state-based program that works at the local level to support healthier communities by expanding opportunities for active living, healthy eating, wellbeing, and commercial tobacco-free living.
