How to Fight an Epidemic

BEFORE YOU TALK

Know the facts.

More than a quarter of youth in middle and high school have tried e-cigarettes.
The effects of nicotine exposure during youth can cause lifelong issues, including lower impulse control and mood disorders.
E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, surpassing conventional cigarettes in 2014.
Get credible information about e-cigarettes and kids. Learn more from the Surgeon General’s advisory warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
Download this informational one-sheeter about e-cigarettes and their harmful effects on our youth.

Be patient and ready to listen.

Avoid criticism and encourage an open dialogue.
Remember, your goal is to have a conversation, not to deliver a lecture.
It’s okay for your conversation to take place over time, in bits and pieces.

Set a positive example by being tobacco free.

If you use tobacco, it’s never too late to quit. For free help, visit OKhelpline.com or call 1-800-QUIT NOW.

START THE CONVERSATION

Find the right moment.

A more natural discussion will increase the likelihood that your teen will listen. Rather than saying “we need to talk,” you might ask your teen what he or she thinks when you:

See someone using a vape in person or in a video.

Pass a vape shop when you are walking or driving.
See an e-cigarette advertisement in a store, magazine or on the internet.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers can help play a role.

As teachers, looking out for students is part of the job, but with youth tobacco use spiking across the country, how can you make a positive impact? Get answers about JUULs and other vape products – and make a difference in your classroom.