Online Vape Retailers Illegally Target Minors
These days, you can get almost anything delivered straight to your door. From groceries and household items to books, clothes and electronics, grabbing packages off the front porch feels second nature. However, this convenience also comes with risks — teens are using these services to illegally gain access to vapes.
Online retailers are shipping vapes and other vaping products, often disguised as everyday items, to minors without proper age verification or legal oversight. These sneaky tactics contribute to the growing health crisis in Oklahoma:
- 1 in 5 Oklahoma high schoolers reports vaping in the last 30 days.
- Kids are starting to vape as young as 11.
- Teens who vape are up to 7x more likely to smoke cigarettes later in life.
- 4 out of 5 teens who vape started in order to cope with stress, anxiety or depression. However, vaping doubles the risk of a depression diagnosis and increases symptoms of anxiety.
How Teens Are Accessing Vapes
Laws exist to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors, but the tobacco industry and shady vendors continue to find creative ways around these restrictions. Online marketing and sales tactics have made it dangerously easy for young people to access vaping products.
An investigation revealed how simple it is for youth to access vapes online through a method called “discreet shipping.” Researchers asked 16 people to order vapes online. Of the 156 orders placed:
- 81% arrived through the U.S. Postal Service, despite laws prohibiting this
- Fewer than 1% of IDs were scanned, despite laws requiring this
- Two-thirds of packages were delivered in areas where online sales of flavored vapes are banned
Beyond illegal shipping practices, the tobacco industry is known for its deceptive marketing techniques, preying on youth insecurities and sneaking around parents and adults. Companies use social media influencers to sell their products, promising stress relief, focus and other mental health benefits. Plus, the colorful packaging and a variety of flavors draw kids and teens to use vapes for the first time.
The Hidden Dangers of Nicotine
The reality of nicotine addiction is far more devastating than many teens realize, and can lead to serious immediate and lasting health consequences when used during adolescence, including:
- Respiratory issues such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), increased risk of asthma attacks and lung cancer
- Cognitive impacts such as decreased focus, lack of impulse control and mood swings
- Bad breath and dental issues
- Nicotine poisoning
- Addiction
Why Enforcement Is Difficult
Despite laws against selling tobacco products to minors, stopping illegal online vape sales has proven difficult. The internet provides countless opportunities to evade detection, while law enforcement struggles to keep pace with ever-changing tactics. Different laws at federal and state levels create gaps and loopholes for retailers, and online retailers evade detection by opening under new names, using private shipping companies and employing complex web coding.
How We Can Protect Our Youth
With online retailers making it easier than ever for youth to access vapes, we can’t wait for regulations to save our kids. Parents, educators and community leaders must play an active role in prevention. Education and communication are key. If you have kids or teens in your life:
- Have open, judgment-free conversations about vaping. Visit TalkAboutTobacco.com for conversation guides and resources.
- Monitor package deliveries, especially from unfamiliar delivery services and vendors.
Unfortunately, the tobacco industry is not going to stop targeting youth any time soon. It is up to all of us to fight for change.
If you’re looking for ways to ask for change in your community, get involved with our FREE resources. For interactive learning experiences and comprehensive guides on discussing tobacco and vaping with kids of all ages, visit TalkAboutTobacco.com.