Is Your Kid Vaping?
Big Tobacco knows that sweet flavors help the nicotine go down. While federal law prohibits selling cigarettes with candy and fruit flavors, other tobacco products like cigars, cigarillos (little cigars) and hookah are fair game.
E-cigarettes, vape pens and other vapor products also have become increasingly popular and accessible in Oklahoma — especially among youth. Brightly colored packaging, sleek product designs and fruity flavors are enticing kids to give vaping a try… and the nicotine packed inside these products is forcing them to do it again and again.
81.5% of current e-cigarette users said they use e-cigarettes “because they come in flavors I like.”
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association
Another new vaping product is adding to the allure with its discreet design. It’s called a JUUL, and it’s just as dangerous as an e-cigarette. A JUUL resembles a USB flash drive, making it easy to hide from parents and teachers. Unique flavorings like cotton candy, blue raspberry and vanilla cookie significantly heighten its appeal too.
The simple truth is that e-cigarettes, vape pens and JUULs are highly addictive and incredibly dangerous. So how can you tell if your kids are vaping?
Know the Signs.
Stay cognizant of these warning signs that could indicate your kid is vaping.
- Artificially sweet smell.
- Increased thirst.
- Caffeine sensitivity.
- Unfamiliar batteries or chargers.
- Unusual-looking pens or USB drives.
Know the Lingo
Vaping has its own vocabulary that’s just as hard to notice as the devices themselves. Here’s a taste…
E-cigarettes or vapes are also commonly known as:
- Mods
- E-hookahs
- JUULs
- Vape pens
- Tank systems
Other terminology to listen for:
- Juice/Vape Juice
- E-Juice/E-Liquid
- Coil
- Dripping
- Pods
- JUUL/JUULing
- Clouds
- Vape tricks/Smoke tricks
Know Where — and How — They’re Getting It.
While Oklahoma State Law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18, kids are still getting it. Here are 5 common ways:
- Vape products are promoted and sold all over social media.
- Kids successfully buy it online 94% of the time. Website age gates are easily bypassed, and kids use a parent’s name for shipping.
- Clerks at shops might not enforce the 18-and-over law.
- Many vape companies have names that wouldn’t raise a red flag on credit card statements.
- Orders can be delivered without you ever knowing.
Educating your kids about the dangers of vaping, JUULing and nicotine is critical — to their health, and their life. Know the signs. Know the buzzwords. Help your child be tobacco free.
For tips on talking to your kids about vaping and other flavored tobacco, click here. Plus, check out StopsWithMe.com for more even helpful tips and information.