By: Ethan Lin
In Part 1 of this series, we explored the rise of vaping among teens, debunking myths about its safety and highlighting the addictive nature and health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
In Part 2, we delve deeper into how vaping companies strategically target young people through appealing flavors, unique designs, and social media influence.
Popularity of Vaping Among Young Teens
Although there is a decline in e-cigarette use, research shows it is still the most commonly reported currently used tobacco product. We’re encouraged by the decline, but there’s still more work to be done. Some may not know this, but companies associated with vapes are purposely targeting young teens and young adults, which causes an increase in teen vaping. Some ways these companies attract teens and young adults include:
Why Flavored Vapes Hook Teens
Teens enjoy exotic and cool flavors. Research shows that teens enjoy mint and mango flavored vapes, which are then continuously produced by vape manufacturers. This is bad for teens because flavor chemicals have only been tested to be used as food, but have never been tested to be directly inhaled. Flavored vapes hold many health risks and have many unknown negative effects that could put a young teen’s life at risk.
Flashy Vape Designs: Trend or Trap?
When a new exotic toy or cool-designed clothing is released and hyped up by the media, teens tend to hop on the trend and invest in the new trend. This concept is the same with vapes. As new, unique, and exotic designs are created and hyped up by the media, it is very captivating to teens and hooks them into spending more money on vapes. What may start as just following trends can quickly escalate into a harmful habit that affects their health. The constant push of new designs makes it harder for teens to resist and easier for vape companies to hook them.
How Social Media Normalizes Vaping
Social Media Influencers have a huge influence on their fans. If an influencer is seen using a vape, it will be seen by their followers and entice them to also vape. This is why vaping companies create ads with influencers so that they can profit from their followers buying vapes. Teens often look up to influencers and idolize them, so their decisions in life can be heavily impacted by what their favorite influencer does. This creates a dangerous cycle when vaping gets involved, where vaping is normalized and constantly used by followers.
Youth-Focused Ads: The Half-Truths
Advertisements for vapes tell many lies and not many truths. They may lead you on by saying it is better for you compared to regular cigarettes; however, they do not say that vapes are still harmful to you. They will cover the truth up with lies about how their product is better for you and can benefit you in situations where you are stressed and need a way to relieve your stress. However, this is something that can harm you in the future and also might get you hooked on traditional cigarettes in the future.
Easy Access: A Growing Supply Chain
Many teens have easy access to vapes. They can access them through an older sibling or through regular gas stations that do not care about the well-being of the teen but only care about the profits. According to the CDC, about 3.6 million teens vape, approximately 1 in 5 high schoolers. This is a hazardous thing as it gives young teens with undeveloped brains access to something they should not, which then can cause harm to them in the future and present.
Supporting Teens’ Health and Well-Being
With many teens starting to get exposure to vaping, it’s important to have ways to ensure your child stays safe. There are many ways you can do this at home. There are mindful self-care practices people can follow along with exercises to keep their minds off negative things. It is also important to create a substance-free household so that your child is less inclined to be tempted by substances and vaping. To learn more about the consequences that vaping and other substances bring, please check out our “Teen Negative Consequences” article.
If you are a teen or young adult who wants to quit, text DITCHVAPE to 88709.